The Radboudumc Academic Medical Network invests in regional collaboration in the areas of prostate cancer, side effects of proton pump inhibitors, vaccines for individuals with compromised immune systems, and treatment of advanced knee osteoarthritis. Joint research projects, involving researchers from Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Rijnstate Hospital, and Sint Maartenskliniek collaborating with researchers from Radboudumc. During the celebratory event at the Radboudumc Experience Center on April 25th, one Junior Researcher position per collaborating partner was awarded, each amounting to €280,000,- for a period of four years.
Reducing side effects of proton pump inhibitors
Radboudumc: Joost Hoenderop – Jeroen de Baaij
JBZ: Ron Kusters – Steef Kurstjens
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are utilized by approximately 2.8 million individuals in the Netherlands, and concerns about associated complications such as osteoporosis, chronic kidney failure, and impaired mineral/vitamin absorption have risen over the past decade (1,2).
The outcome of our research will bring direct benefits to both medical professionals and patients. Doctors prescribing PPIs will be better equipped to detect potentially serious side effects early on, allowing patients to undergo timely and appropriate interventions. From the perspective of patients and society, this translates to an enhanced health experience and improved everyday functionality. Our insights into these aspects will be gleaned through patient surveys focused on symptom recognition and severity.
The collaboration between the two research groups, leveraging their complementary expertise, promises a deeper understanding of complaints related to PPI usage and their correlation with side effects arising from abnormal electrolyte levels. The innovative machine learning algorithms and the already validated clinical decision support system deserve recognition within the regional network for their demonstrated value in patient care.
The consolidation of expertise, including the involvement of an internist and a hospital pharmacist, completes our multidisciplinary team, offering a pathway towards the practical application of the knowledge gained. By delving into the impact of one of the most commonly prescribed medications and developing tools for early intervention, our efforts hold significant promise for a positive impact on healthcare, with individual patients experiencing the benefits.
Kidney Physiology 