[A case of lung cancer with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura effectively treated for Helicobacter pylori].
A 58-year-old man with cough and bloody sputum was admitted because of right lung tumor and thrombocytopenia. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was diagnosed. For treatment of ITP, he was treated with platelet transfusions, intravenous gamma-globulin and oral prednisolone. However, the platelet count did not completely improved. Since a relationship between ITP and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection has been reported, and result of urease test was positive, the patient was treated by HP eradication therapy. After the eradication therapy, the platelet count improved to the normal range. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung was confirmed by a cervical lymph node biopsy. As a result of improvement in platelet count, we were able to perform the chemotherapy of lung cancer.
Chibana
Kenji
K
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus.
Touyama
Masato
M
Fujita
Jiro
J
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000209:etiology*