Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura: a single‑center experience

Objective The aim was to determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and to detect the effect of its eradication therapy on platelet count response in H. pylori‑positive patients. Patients and methods H. pylori stool antigen enzyme immunoassay test was done for 54 patients with ITP. H. pylori‑positive patients received standard triple therapy for 2 weeks. Platelet count response to H. pylori eradication therapy was evaluated 2 and 3 months after the treatment. Results H. pylori infection was positive in 38 (70.4%) patients with ITP. Eradication of H. pylori was achieved in 30 (78.9%) patients (responder group). There were statistically significant increases in platelet count (among the responder group) after H. pylori eradication therapy at 2 and 3 months (P 0.05). Conclusion Eradication of H. pylori infection in patients with ITP is associated with significant increase in platelet counts.