Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Community-acquired Pneumonia

The purpose of the study is to determine whether proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a medication used to treat gastric conditions, increase the risk of hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (HCAP). The investigators will carry out separate population-based cohort studies using administrative health databases in eight jurisdictions in Canada, the US, and the UK. Cohort entry will be defined by the initiation of an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, with follow-up until hospitalization for pneumonia or end of follow-up (6 months). The results from the separate sites will be combined using a statistical approach called meta-analysis to provide an overall assessment of the risk of HCAP with PPIs.