To Learn How Bone Structure and Bone Mass Change After Long-term PPI Use

Patients with severe acid reflux and/or Barrett's esophagus are recommended to take Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)indefinitely to prevent complications such as strictures or the development of a type of esophageal cancer. Recently, some studies suggested that taking these medications on a long-term basis may affect the bone. Therefore, it is important to learn whether these medications may lead to accelerated bone loss so that effective preventive measures can be developed for patients who require these medications for acid-related conditions. Several studies reported that patients receiving PPIs for many years may have increased risk of hip fractures. However, it is unclear whether this is because the PPIs cause reduced bone density or whether the increased risk of fractures has nothing to do with PPIs and is because patients who require PPIs have other illnesses that cause the increased fractures. The purpose of the study is to learn how bone structure and bone mass change after long-term PPI use.