title: Helicobacter pylori and extragastric diseases.
abstract: Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori, several studies have investigated the hypothetical role of this bacterium in various extragastric diseases, e.g. ischemic heart disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, iron-deficiency anaemia, and other disorders. The majority of these studies are epidemiological or eradication trials, but there are also case reports and in-vitro studies. Idiopathic thromobocytopenic purpura is the disease that shows the strongest link with H. pylori infection. There is also evidence of a role of CagA-positive H. pylori infection in iron-deficiency anaemia and ischemic heart disease. The association between H. pylori infection and other extragastric diseases remains controversial, being mostly supported by 'case reports', small pilot studies, or just in-vitro data. Further studies are needed to identify whether there is any pathological implication for H. pylori infection in these diseases.
authors: Institute of Internal Medicine, Policlinico Gemelli, Catholic University of Rome, Largo A. Gemelli, 8-00168 Rome, Italy.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Franceschi
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Gasbarrini
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans