Platelet Count Response to Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Iranian Patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune hematological disorder characterized by auto antibody-mediated platelet destruction. Although the main cause of ITP remains unclear, but its relationship with some infection was demonstrated. In recent years, many studies have demonstrated improvement of platelet counts in ITP patients after treating Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of H. pylori eradication on platelet count response in Iranian ITP patients. A total of 26 patients diagnosed with both ITP and H. pylori infection. ITP were diagnosed whose platelet counts were less than 100×10(3)/μL. These patients were tested for H. pylori infection by Urea Breath Test and serum H. pylori antibody. All patients received triple therapy for 7 or 14 days to eradicate H. pylori infection. These patients followed for six months. Prevalence of H. pylori was 67.3%. H. pylori eradication achieved in 89.5% (26/29). Of the 26 patients, 15 (57.7%) exhibited a complete response (CR) and 11 (42.3%) were unresponsive. We did not find partial responders. There was a significant difference in the baseline platelet count of responders and non-responders patients (p<0.001). All responders had platelet count ≥50×10(3)/μL and all non-responders had platelet count <50×10(3)/μL. Results of this study revealed that eradication therapy of H. pylori infection can improve platelet counts in ITP patients especially with mild thrombocytopenia and support routine detection and treatment of H. pylori infection in ITP patients in populations with a high prevalence of this infection.