Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia Following Cryolipolysis.

Cryolipolysis (CL) is a noninvasive technique that uses applicators to cool tissue to temperatures that selectively destroy adipocytes. Since its introduction to the market, it has rapidly become one of the leading non-surgical modalities to reduce fat in the aesthetic industry. Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) is an adverse reaction to CL, whereby there is initial reduction in fat volume, followed by abnormal fat growth exceeding the original volume in the treated area. The incidence of PAH is thought to be underreported, and its pathophysiology and management remains unclear. The objective of this study was to present a series of PAH cases and review efficacy of management modalities.

Should Procalcitonin Be Included in Acute Cholecystitis Guidelines? A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Acute cholecystitis (AC) is a common surgical emergency. Recent evidence suggests that serum procalcitonin (PCT) is superior to leukocytosis and serum C-reactive protein in the diagnosis and severity stratification of acute infections. This review evaluates the role of PCT in AC diagnosis, severity stratification, and management. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched from inception till 21 August 2022 for studies reporting the role of PCT in AC. A qualitative analysis of the existing literature was conducted. Results: Five articles, including 688 patients, were included. PCT ≤ 0.52 ng/mL had fair discriminative ability (Area under the curve (AUC) 0.721, p < 0.001) to differentiate Grade 1 from Grade 2-3 AC, and PCT > 0.8 ng/mL had good discriminatory ability to differentiate Grade 3 from 1-2 AC (AUC 0.813, p < 0.001). PCT cut-off ≥ 1.50 ng/mL predicted difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (sensitivity 91.3%, specificity 76.8%). The incidence of open conversion was higher with PCT ≥ 1 ng/mL (32.4% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.013). A PCT value of >0.09 ng/mL could predict major complications (defined as open conversion, mechanical ventilation, and death). Conclusions: Current evidence is plagued by the heterogeneity of small sample studies. Though PCT has some role in assessing severity and predicting difficult cholecystectomy, and postoperative complications in AC patients, more evidence is necessary to validate its use.

Can Online Patient-Provider Communication Improve Emotional Well-Being? Examining the Roles of Social Presence and Patient Empowerment.

China has long been suffering from the problem of having health care that is expensive and difficult to access. Online patient-provider communication (OPPC) can offer a viable channel to increase access to care. However, through what underlying mechanisms OPPC can be associated with better health outcome is under-researched. To fill this research gap, this study investigated OPPC usage in China and identified psychological processes linking OPPC to emotional well-being. With two-wave panel surveys conducted in China, we found that mobile health app, social media, and health information service website were three common platforms for OPPC, followed by patient portal, whereas e-mail was used least frequently. Overall, OPPC did not have any direct effect on emotional well-being. Instead, OPPC first increased users' perceived social presence of providers in OPPC, which in turn triggered sense of patient empowerment, which finally enhanced emotional well-being.

Mirizzi Syndrome-The Past, Present, and Future.

Mirizzi syndrome is a complication of gallstone disease caused by an impacted gallstone in the infundibulum of the gallbladder or within the cystic duct, causing chronic inflammation and extrinsic compression of the common hepatic duct or common bile duct. Eventually, mucosal ulceration occurs and progresses to cholecystobiliary fistulation. Numerous systems exist to classify Mirizzi syndrome, with the Csendes classification widely adopted. It describes five types of Mirizzi syndrome according to the presence of a cholecystobiliary fistula and its corresponding severity, and whether a cholecystoenteric fistula is present. The clinical presentation of Mirizzi syndrome is non-specific, and patients typically have a longstanding history of gallstones. It commonly presents with obstructive jaundice, and can mimic gallbladder, biliary, or pancreatic malignancy. Achieving a preoperative diagnosis guides surgical planning and improves treatment outcomes. However, a significant proportion of cases of Mirizzi syndrome are diagnosed intraoperatively, and the presence of dense adhesions and distorted anatomy at Calot's triangle increases the risk of bile duct injury. Cholecystectomy remains the mainstay of treatment for Mirizzi syndrome, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy is increasingly becoming a viable option, especially for less severe stages of cholecystobiliary fistula. Subtotal cholecystectomy is feasible if total cholecystectomy cannot be performed safely. Additional procedures may be required, such as common bile duct exploration, choledochoplasty, and bilioenteric anastomosis. Conclusions: There is currently no consensus for the management of Mirizzi syndrome, as the management options depend on the extent of surgical pathology and availability of surgical expertise. Multidisciplinary collaboration is important to achieve diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment planning to ensure good clinical outcomes.

Demographics, Radiological Findings, and Clinical Outcomes of Klebsiella pneumonia vs. Non-Klebsiella pneumoniae Pyogenic Liver Abscess: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis.

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a common cause of hepatobiliary sepsis. Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is the most common organism causing PLA. Evidence is scarce on the demographics, radiological findings, and outcomes of KPPLA versus non-KPPLA (N-KPPLA). PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus were systematically searched until 14 May 2022 for studies comparing KPPLA and N-KPPLA. Exclusion criteria were single-arm studies. Primary outcomes were mortality (30-day/in-hospital) and metastatic complications. There were 16 studies, including 5127 patients (KPPLA n = 3305, N-KPPLA n = 1822). Patients with KPPLA were younger (mean difference: −2.04 years, p = 0.02). History of hepatobiliary disease (Odds ratio (OR) 0.30, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.46) and malignancy (OR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.42) were less common in KPPLA. KPPLA was associated with lower incidence of multiple abscesses (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.76, p < 0.001) and bilobar abscesses (OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.74, p < 0.001). KPPLA has higher overall metastatic complications (KPPLA 9.7% vs. N-KPPLA 4.8%, OR 3.16, 95% CI: 2.00, 4.99, p < 0.001), but lower mortality (KPPLA 3.9% vs. N-KPPLA 7.6%, OR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.78, p < 0.001). Trial sequential analysis showed conclusive evidence that KPPLA has lower mortality than N-KPPLA. In conclusion, KPPLA has lower mortality than N-KPPLA.

A Prospective Trial: Handsfree Thermoregulated Bipolar Radiofrequency for Face and Neck Contouring.

Background: The use of radiofrequency in aesthetic surgery has evolved significantly since it was first introduced in the early 2000s. Nonexcisional correction of the lower one-third of the face and neck has long been a challenging problem. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the first handsfree thermoregulated bipolar radiofrequency device for face and neck contouring. Methods: This prospective multicenter (New York, Nevada) IRB-approved study evaluated healthy candidates who desired noninvasive correction of their lower face and neck laxity. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate safety and soft tissue remodeling pretreatment and at 1-, 3-, and 6-months post last treatment. Assessment was made using blinded evaluators, 3D photographic analysis (Quantificare, France), and volumetric measurements. Investigator and subject assessments were obtained using a 0-4 point Likert scale. Results: A total of 34 patients completed both the cheek and chin applicator treatment series. Average age of patients was 38 (STD 3.4), BMI 27 (STD 2.2), average Baker Face & Neck classification 2.6 (STD 1.1), and average Fitzpatrick type 2.4 (STD 1.2). Mean treatment time was 41 min (STD 3.5) with a temperature of 42°C-43°C. Patient discomfort data were statistically very low based on t-test analysis. Satisfaction metrics measured at 1- and 3-month follow-up demonstrated a significant change in subject skin appearance, subject overall satisfaction, and investigator improvement perception. More patients were satisfied at the 3-month follow-up compared with the 1-month follow-up for all three measures. Volumetric data demonstrated an average change of -3.2 cm3 (STD ±1.2 cm3) per side for the cheek applicator and -4.1 (STD ±2.3) for the submental applicator. Of note there were cases where volume increases were noted that were believed to be related to soft tissue contraction. Conclusions: This is the first prospective study to evaluate a handsfree thermoregulated bipolar radiofrequency device for face and neck contouring. This device demonstrates a significant advance in the control and delivery of radiofrequency for aesthetic purposes. With a favorable safety and comfort profile, this device is able to concentrate thermal energy consistently at a depth that allows for fibroseptal network tightening to improve lower third of face and submental soft tissue contraction.

Two-stage Radiofrequency-assisted Lipoabdominoplasty.

Decades of lipoabdominoplasty safety, reliability, and efficacy have permitted more aggressive contouring of the abdominoplasty flap without increased risk for wound healing complications. However, the recent introduction of unrestricted liposuction of all vascular zones and high-definition liposculpting continue to challenge the vascularity of the abdominoplasty flap, particularly in high-risk patients. The present study reviews the authors' approach to abdominal lipodystrophy, and introduces a technique which maximizes fat extraction and skin excision while reducing risk of complication (two-stage radiofrequency-assisted liposuction and abdominoplasty).

Does technology-enhanced communication improve Helicobacter pylori eradication outcomes?-A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a highly prevalent organism that can induce an inflammatory state in the upper gastrointestinal tract and lead to complications such as peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. The treatment regime is complicated, and mild-to-moderate adverse effects are common, making patient compliance a key determinant of successful eradication. One attractive strategy is to leverage on technology-enhanced communication (TEC) strategies. However, the current data on the efficacy of TEC modalities in improving H. pylori eradication are limited. This is the first meta-analysis evaluating its effectiveness to the best of our knowledge. Thus, it is essential to evaluate the current body of evidence to learn the impact of TEC initiatives. METHODS: A literature search was done on PubMed, World of Science, and Embase. A total of 9 studies variably reported on compliance rate, eradication rate, adverse effect rate, symptom relief, patient satisfaction, treatment cost, patient disease awareness, and follow-up rates. RESULTS: This meta-analysis showed that TEC initiatives significantly improve patient compliance (OR 4.52, 95% CI 2.09 - 9.77, p < .01) and eradication rate (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.34 - 2.93, p < .01) but not adverse effect rate (OR 0.65, 95% CI [0.27 - 1.57], p = .34). Due to the small number of studies and population sample, patient satisfaction, symptom relief, treatment costs, disease awareness, and follow-up rates were assessed qualitatively. CONCLUSION: TEC initiatives effectively improve compliance to the H. pylori eradication regime and increase the eradication rate.

Media and social factors influencing stigma towards eczema patients: A survey study in Singapore.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Eczema is a common skin health issue in Singapore. A salient challenge eczema patients are facing is the stigma towards them, which has been relatively unacknowledged. It is critical to reducing stigma towards eczema patients, and an essential step is to identify factors influencing stigmatising behaviour. METHODS: With a general basis of the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey (N = 293) in the context of Singapore. The sample was recruited via the online panel of a survey company, Rakuten Insights. Our sample's age and education level generally fit with the population in Singapore. RESULTS: Media exposure to eczema content did not influence stigmatising behaviour either directly or indirectly. However, personal connection with eczema patients reduced stigma indirectly, completely mediated by stigmatising attitude towards eczema patients and health literacy. That is, personal connection with eczema patients had a negative relationship with stigmatising attitude, which was positively associated with the intention of and actual stigmatising behaviour. However, personal connection increased health literacy, which in turn reduced stigmatising intention and behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: We call for more future initiatives to fight against health stigma. Health promotion can take advantage of eczema patients' social network to educate the general public about the eczema issue to lower stigma. Public policy responses to prevent discrimination on the basis of skin health are also needed. Media organisations should use news media and social media to speak out against stigma towards eczema patients, and avoid using stigmatising language.

Guidance on performance and reporting of high-resolution oesophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to provide a practical and evidence-based guide on the indications, performance and reporting of high-resolution oesophageal manometry (HRM) and ambulatory pH monitoring (PHM) in adult patients in Singapore. METHODS: The guideline committee comprised local gastroenterologists from public and private sectors with particular expertise in aspects of HRM and PHM, and it was tasked to produce evidence-based statements on the indications, performance and reporting of these tests. Each committee member performed literature searches to retrieve relevant articles within the context of domains to which they were assigned. RESULTS: Twelve recommendation statements were created and summarised. CONCLUSION: Standardising key aspects of HRM and PHM is imperative to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. We reported the development of recommendations for the performance and interpretation of HRM and ambulatory reflux monitoring in Singapore.

Second Generation Radiofrequency Body Contouring Device: Safety and Efficacy in 300 Local Anesthesia Liposuction Cases.

BACKGROUND: Suction-assisted lipectomy has undergone significant improvements in technique, outcomes, and safety. The local anesthetic option has an excellent safety profile, and energy-based modalities such as radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) devices were developed to enhance soft-tissue contraction. The purpose of this study was to report a single center's experience with two surgeons using the second-generation RFAL device compared with the first-generation device in terms of safety and efficacy. METHODS: In total, 300 consecutive operations were performed under local anesthesia. Following tumescent injection, the RFAL device was used to heat the skin and underlying collagen network. Subsequently, areas to be contoured were followed with suction-assisted lipectomy to remove excess fat and fluid. RESULTS: An estimated 300 operations were performed on 240 patients in 421 anatomic areas. Treated areas included the face, trunk, and extremities. The average maximum temperatures were 38.6°C externally and 65.6°C internally. The average total and fat aspirate volumes were 1264 and 648 mL. There were no major complications or mortalities, and 3 minor complications treated locally. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicated statistically significant lower proportions of major, minor, or cumulative complications compared with the patients who received first-generation RFAL treatment. Major complications were exhibited for 6.25% of the first-generation group and 0% for the second-generation group. The first-generation group exhibited 8.3% minor complications, with 0.7% in the second-generation group. In sum, the data from the second-generation series of RFAL device operations indicate a statistically, as well as clinically, significant reduction in the overall complication rates compared with the first-generation device.

Multimodal Radiofrequency Application for Lower Face and Neck Laxity.

Nonexcisional facial skin tightening has long been an elusive goal in aesthetic surgery. The "treatment gap" includes cases who are not "severe" enough for excisions surgery but not "mild" enough for most traditional noninvasive aesthetic modalities. In this retrospective review, we present the largest evaluation to date of radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening technology combination including bipolar RF (FaceTite; InMode) and fractional bipolar RF (Fractora modified to Morpheus8; InMode). METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted between January 2013 and December 2018 using a combination of bipolar RF and fractional bipolar RF for the treatment of facial aging. Data collection included demographic information, Baker Face/Neck Classification, amount of energy used, adverse events, and patient satisfaction. Four cadaver dissections were also conducted to correlate the underlying neuromuscular anatomy with RF treatment of the lower face and neck. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-seven patients (234 women and 13 men) were included in the study. Average age was 55.1 years (SD, ±8), body mass index was 24.3 (±2.4), and 9% (23/247) of patients were active smokers at the time of treatment. Patients had an average Baker Face/Neck Classification score of 3.1 (SD, ±1.4). The procedure was performed under local anesthesia in 240/247 cases (97.2%). Patients objectively improved their Baker Face/Neck Classification score by 1.4 points (SD, ±1.1). Ninety-three percent of patients indicated that they were pleased with their results and would undergo the procedure again. Complications recorded for our cohort included prolonged swelling >6 weeks (4.8%, 12/247), hardened area >12 weeks (3.2%, 8/247), and marginal mandibular neuropraxia (1.2%, 3/247), which all resolved without further intervention. When considering possible control variables, age seems to be a significant factor. That is, older patients were more likely to benefit from a larger magnitude of the treatment effect (as demonstrated by a decrease in the Baker rating from pre- to posttreatment) when compared with younger patients. However, both groups did demonstrate significant improvements across time. CONCLUSION: While this combination RF treatment (FaceTite bipolar RF and fractional bipolar RF) does not aim to replace a facelift/necklift in appropriate candidates, it does broaden the plastic surgeons' armamentarium to potentially fill a treatment gap.

Adjustable Depth Fractional Radiofrequency Combined With Bipolar Radiofrequency: A Minimally Invasive Combination Treatment for Skin Laxity.

Increasingly, patients are seeking minimally invasive methods to tighten skin and remodel adipose tissue. A large treatment gap exists among 3 types of patients: (1) the younger demographic, who increasingly desire soft tissue tightening without traditional operations, scars, and downtime; (2) patients with soft tissue laxity who are not "severe enough" to justify an excisional procedure, but not "mild enough" to rely on liposuction with soft tissue contraction alone; and (3) those with recurrent laxity who already underwent traditional excisional procedures. In these populations, plastic surgeons risk under- or overtreating with traditional methods. The purpose of this supplement is to describe the utility of radiofrequency (RF) microneedling (Fractora modified to Morpheus8 InMode Aesthetic Solutions, Lake Forest, CA) in combination with bipolar RF (FaceTite/BodyTite, InMode Aesthetic Solutions). By combining these procedures, the aforementioned treatment gap can be addressed. The RF microneedling allows for subdermal adipose remodeling and skin tightening. Addition of bipolar RF also tightens the skin by contraction of the underlaying fibroseptal network in addition to induction of neocollagenesis, elastogenesis, and angiogenesis at skin surface temperatures of 40° to 50°C. In our experience, these technologies have been effective and safe in these patient populations. Level of Evidence: 4.

"Brazilian Butt Lift" under Local Anesthesia: A Novel Technique Addressing Safety Concerns.

BACKGROUND: The gluteal lift ("Brazilian butt lift") has improved significantly in technique and in outcomes. Some postulate that fat embolism occurs because of damage to veins superficial to the gluteus muscles and that fat must be injected intramuscularly to achieve satisfactory aesthetic results. The purpose of this article is to present data where gluteal lift is performed under local anesthesia, address safety concerns, and clarify these speculations. METHODS: All patients underwent gluteal lift under local anesthesia using oral medications and tumescent infiltration. Fat was harvested by closed-system liposuction, separated by gravity, injected using a peristaltic pump and reticulating basket cannulas. RESULTS: Thirty-two female patients with an average age of 38.6 years and a body mass index of 24.8 kg/m underwent 47 gluteal lift operations under local anesthesia over 52 months. The average volume of injected fat was 359 ml per buttock. There were no deaths or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Recent concerns regarding buttock injections have been raised due to death from fat embolism. Despite numerous theories on the mechanism of entry, the fact that venous injury occurs with the introduction of boluses of fat in enough quantities to cause mechanical disruption of the cardiopulmonary circuit is not in dispute. The authors believe this cannot occur in the awake patient without the surgeon being acutely aware of a misguided cannula. These data suggest that buttock fat grafting under local anesthesia is a safe and effective procedure with an excellent safety profile and durable results. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Soft Tissue Contraction in Body Contouring With Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction: A Treatment Gap Solution.

Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction is a relatively new concept in energy-assisted body contouring techniques and has received instrument approval. This supplemental article reviews the clinical application of electromagnetic energy via the BodyTite (InMode Corporation, Toronto, Canada) device on soft tissues during suction lipectomy, its effect on soft tissue contraction, and its use in aesthetic body contouring in various clinical scenarios.

1000 Consecutive Cases of Laser-Assisted Liposuction Utilizing the 1440 nm Wavelength Nd:YAG Laser: Assessing the Safety and Efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction remains one of the most popular aesthetic surgery procedures performed today, and it has undergone continuous refinements over the past four decades. Advancements in anesthesia, improvements in instrumentation, better understanding of fluid dynamics and the addition of energy to liposuction have led to better outcomes with improved safety and efficacy. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to review 1000 consecutive laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) cases utilizing the 1440 nm wavelength. Emphasis was placed on complication rates and the need for revision procedures. METHODS: The charts of 611 patients who underwent 1000 consecutive LAL operations were reviewed. All cases were performed either under general anesthesia or under local with sedation, and the cases were performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures. All patients went to presurgical testing and had preoperative laboratory and additional clearance by a specialist when indicated. Before and after medical photographs were obtained of all patients. All operations were done in an accredited office-based operating room. Demographic information, tumescent volume, aspirate volume, surgical time, complications and other data were reviewed. RESULTS: There were one minor complication and no major complications such as burns, hospitalizations or mortalities. One patient developed a small hematoma, which was likely caused by the patient self-aspirating edema fluid during the immediate post-op period. The hematoma resolved with non-surgical management. The average laser energy applied was 15,756 J with an average total aspirate volume of 1256 cc. Fourteen anatomic areas were treated with LAL, and 59 operations were combination cases. CONCLUSION: Energy-assisted liposuction using the 1440 nm wavelength has been shown in this series to have a very low complication rate when performed alone or in combination with other aesthetic operations under local and general anesthesia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Evidence-Based Medicine: Liposuction.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Review the appropriate indications and techniques for suction-assisted lipectomy body contouring surgery. 2. Accurately calculate the patient limits of lidocaine for safe dosing during the tumescent infiltration phase of liposuction. 3. Determine preoperatively possible "red flags" or symptoms and signs in the patient history and physical examination that may indicate a heightened risk profile for a liposuction procedure. 4. Provide an introduction to adjunctive techniques to liposuction such as energy-assisted liposuction and to determine whether or not the reader may decide to add them to his or her practice. SUMMARY: With increased focus on one's aesthetic appearance, liposuction has become the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world since its introduction in the 1980s. As it has become more refined with experience, safety, patient selection, preoperative assessment, fluid management, proper technique, and overall care of the patient have been emphasized and improved. For the present article, a systematic review of the relevant literature regarding patient workup, tumescent fluid techniques, medication overview, and operative technique was conducted with a practical approach that the reader will possibly find clinically applicable. Recent trends regarding energy-assisted liposuction and body contouring local anesthesia use are addressed. Deep venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is mentioned, as are other common and less common possible complications. The article provides a literature-supported overview on liposuction techniques with an emphasis on preoperative assessment, medicines used, operative technique, and outcomes.

Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction Compared with Aggressive Superficial, Subdermal Liposuction of the Arms: A Bilateral Quantitative Comparison.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction of the arms alone may be inadequate for aesthetic improvement because of skin laxity. Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) and aggressive superficial liposuction (SupL) have been described to stimulate soft tissue retraction to improve results. We compare the techniques and describe a classification scheme that factors skin laxity, skin quality, and Fitzpatrick type to provide treatment recommendations. METHODS: Ten consecutive female patients underwent RFAL of 1 arm and SupL on the contralateral arm. All patients had Fitzpatrick skin types of III, IV, or V with an average body mass index of 26.0. Using fluorescent tattooing, key points on the arm skin were measured preoperatively and postoperatively to indicate changes in surface area. RESULTS: There were no complications in the group, and all patients reported satisfaction with the aesthetic results. All patients showed reduction of measured skin surface areas and skin distances postoperatively. At 1 year, the measured surface area reductions on the anterior arms averaged 15.0% for RFAL and 10.9% for SupL on the anterior arm skin. Posteriorly, RFAL showed 13.1% reduction and SupL 8.1% reduction in the surface areas at 1 year. Linear reduction for RFAL averaged 22.6% and 17.8% for SupL 1 year postoperatively anteriorly. CONCLUSION: Both RFAL and SupL of the arms showed quantifiable and sustained reductions in skin surface. Good contour and soft tissue contraction were achieved with both techniques but RFAL with its safety features presents an alternative to SupL, which has a higher complication rate, risk for contour deformities, and steeper learning curve.

Inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors in a local setting.

INTRODUCTION: There are growing concerns that the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be inappropriate in instances that do not conform to evidence-based indications. This point-prevalence study aimed to investigate the frequency, indications and appropriateness of use of PPIs in hospitalised patients on a randomly chosen day. METHODS: On a randomly chosen day, all inpatients were documented, and those on any form of PPIs on that day were determined. Indications for maintaining these patients on PPIs were obtained from the electronic medical records, which were then recorded and cross-referenced against a list of accepted indications adapted from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved list. RESULTS: In all, 1,025 inpatients were documented. Of the 477 (46.5%) inpatients using PPIs, only 219 (45.9%) fulfilled the FDA-approved indications, while the majority (n = 258, 54.1%) did not. Overall, PPIs were not strictly indicated for use in 206 (43.2%) inpatients, according to FDA criteria. Of the 477 inpatients on PPIs, 52 (10.9%) had borderline indications based on expert consensus/guidelines other than FDA criteria. CONCLUSION: Although the use of PPIs is prevalent in hospitals, less than half of the hospitalised patients using PPIs in our study had evidence-based indications that supported such use. The overuse of PPIs has a negative impact on healthcare costs and may lead to adverse effects. Steps to curb the inappropriate use of PPIs should address factors such as indications for the initiation of PPIs, and reassessment of the need for ongoing PPI use in inpatients upon discharge and during outpatient reviews.