Helicobacter pylori eradication can induce platelet recovery in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Recent reports have suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The prevalence of H pylori infection 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 x 10(9)/L-120 x 10(9)/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 pylori infection seems appropriate in ITP patients at diagnosis. Bacterium eradication provides a new good option for a nonimmunosuppressive treatment in some ITP patients.
Emilia
G
G
Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Internal Medicine and Hematology, and Department of Paediatrics, University of Modena, Italy. emilia.giovanni@unimo.it
Longo
G
G
Luppi
M
M
Gandini
G
G
Morselli
M
M
Ferrara
L
L
Amarri
S
S
Cagossi
K
K
Torelli
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*