Pneumology - Reviews Open access

Anti-reflux therapy and mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors

Published
8 July 2025
Section
Pneumology - Reviews
DOI
10.4081/monaldi.2025.3349

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) frequently coexist, with GERD potentially exacerbating IPF progression through microaspiration and pulmonary inflammation. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the impact of anti-reflux therapy, including proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists, on mortality outcomes in IPF patients with concurrent GERD. A systematic search identified six eligible studies, including 2874 patients, for quantitative synthesis. Results indicate that anti-reflux therapy may reduce IPF-related mortality, with a pooled relative risk (RR) of 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55-1.33], although this finding was not statistically significant. However, no significant effect was observed on overall mortality (pooled RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.74-1.25). Study heterogeneity was moderate (I2=60%), reflecting variability in study designs, populations, and therapeutic regimens. The observational nature of most studies highlights the need for randomized controlled trials to better understand anti-reflux therapy’s role in IPF management. While anti-reflux therapy was associated with a potential reduction in IPF-related mortality (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.33), no significant effect on overall mortality was observed (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.74-1.25). Future research should also evaluate the long-term safety of anti-reflux therapy, given concerns about complications such as infections and renal impairment. This analysis underscores the importance of tailored treatment approaches in IPF patients with GERD to optimize clinical outcomes.

Keywords

References

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