Proton pump inhibitors use is associated with a higher prevalence of kidney stones: NHANES 2007-2018

Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used throughout the world as an effective gastrointestinal drug. Nevertheless, according to the existing literature, PPIs can reduce the excretion of magnesium, calcium and other components in urine, which may promote the formation of kidney stones. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database to further investigate the association between the use of PPIs and the prevalence of kidney stones. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from 2007 to 2018 NHANES. PPIs use information of 29,910 participants was obtained by using prescription medications in the preceding month, and kidney stones were presented by a standard questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis and stratified analysis were used to estimate the association between PPIs use and kidney stones after an adjustment for potential confounders. Results The multiple logistic regression indicated that the PPIs exposure group (P1) had a significantly higher risk of nephrolithiasis than the PPIs non-exposure group (P0) in Model 3 (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.39, P<0.001). The stratified analyses indicated there were significant statistical differences between PPIs use and kidney stones among females (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.15-1.62, P<0.001), non-Hispanic whites (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.09-1.48, P=0.002), individuals with an education level than 11th grade (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.13-1.76, P=0.002) and individuals with an annual family income of $0 to $19,999 (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.06-1.65, P=0.014) and $20,000 to $44,999 (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.54, P=0.033) in Model 3. Conclusions Our study revealed that PPIs use is associated with a higher prevalence of kidney stones for the US population, primarily among women, non-Hispanic whites, individuals with low education levels and individuals with low household income levels. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.