Helicobacter pylori eradication can induce platelet recovery in idiopathicthrombocytopenic purpura

Recent reports have suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori in fection and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The prevalence of H pylori infection and the effect of its eradication in a series of 30 ITP pa tients were investigated. H pylori infection has been documented in 13 pati ents (43.33%) by C-13 urea breath test and confirmed by histologic examinat ion. 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)/L120 x 10(9)/L) in 2 (16.66%). The response was maintained for a median of 8.33 months, but 1 patient relapsed 7 month s after eradication. Search for H pylori infection seems appropriate in ITP patients at diagnosis. Bacterium eradication provides a new good option fo r a nonimmunosuppressive treatment in some ITP patients. (C) 2001 by The Am erican Society of Hematology.