Yu-Xiao Yang, M.D., M.S.C.E., of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, conducted this study to determine what effects PPIs have on bone metabolism and hip fracture risk in the general population. The study states that more than one year of PPI therapy was associated with a 44 percent increased risk of hip fracture. The risk was 2.6 times higher among long-term users of high-dose PPI therapy. The strength of the association with hip fractures increased with both the dosage and the duration of PPI therapy.
Dr. Yang does does state the need for addition research. "PPI therapy is widespread and may have an exaggerated effect among those at risk for osteoporosis. Thus, further studies are urgently needed to confirm our findings and clarify the underlying mechanism."
Although further study is needed to determine if there actually is a connection between long-term use of PPIs and increased risk of hip fractures, you may want to discuss with your doctor this potential association, and what is the best course of treatment for you.
For the details of this study, you can read a summary at http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/296/24/2947
