Helicobacter pylori as a possible bacterial focus of chronic urticaria.
BACKGROUND
Chronic urticaria is one of the most frequent skin diseases. Its cause, however, remains unsolved in a large number of cases. Recent investigations pointed to a potential role of Helicobacter pylori infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract as a possible causative agent in chronic urticaria.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a 14-day eradication therapy on chronic urticaria.


METHODS
Thirty patients with chronic urticaria and confirmed H. pylori infection were treated with amoxicillin and omeprazole. Follow-up was conducted over a period of 6 months concerning eradication of H. pylori and remission of urticaria.


RESULTS
Only 8 out of 30 patients (26.7%) showed clinical improvement or disappearance of their urticarial symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Though our results do not support the preliminary data of previous studies, the role of H. pylori as a possible bacterial focus of chronic urticaria has to be further investigated.
D000328:Adult; D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005756:Gastritis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010406:Penicillins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014581:Urticaria / Q000209:etiology*