Prescribing Patterns of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Germany: A Retrospective Study Including 472 146 Patients.

The aims of this study were to analyze proton pump inhibitor (PPI) users in Germany, defining and classifying them in terms of treatment appropriateness, and to analyze the PPI prescription practices of healthcare providers. The updated DGVS (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs-und Stoffwechselkrankheiten) gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment guideline (published March 2023) for mild heartburn symptoms recommends carrying out a probatory treatment of mild symptoms via other medication such as antacids, alginates, and H2 blockers before escalating to PPI treatments, if the patient profile allows. This retrospective cross-sectional study was based on data from the IQVIA™ Disease Analyzer database (DA) and included adult patients (18 years or older) in 1006 general and 39 gastroenterological practices in Germany who received at least 1 PPI prescription or alginate between September 2019 and September 2021 (hereinafter referred to as the index period).

Reducing Antibiotic Misuse through the Use of Point-of-Care Tests in Germany: A Survey of 1257 Medical Practices.

Though more than 80% of acute pharyngitis (AP) cases have a viral etiology, it remains one of the most common causes for the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics (ABs). Half of patients receive antibiotics in general practice. Point-of-Care Tests (POCTs) distinguish between bacterial and viral pharyngitis.