Helicobacter pylori eradication can induce platelet recovery in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Recent reports have suggested an association betweenHelicobacter pylori infection and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The prevalence of H pyloriinfection and the effect of its eradication in a series of 30 ITP patients were investigated. H pylori infection has been documented in 13 patients (43.33%) by 13C urea breath test and confirmed by histologic examination. Bacterium eradication with antibiotics, obtained in 12 of 13 infected patients (92.3%), led to a complete response in 4 (33.33%) and to a partial response (platelets 90 × 109/L-120 × 109/L) in 2 (16.66%). The response was maintained for a median of 8.33 months, but 1 patient relapsed 7 months after eradication. Search for H pyloriinfection seems appropriate in ITP patients at diagnosis. Bacterium eradication provides a new good option for a nonimmunosuppressive treatment in some ITP patients.