Is Helicobacter pylori infection associated with chronic urticaria?

There have been controversial reports of an elevated prevalence rate of Hel icobacter pylori infection in chronic urticaria patients. Furthermore, in s ome studies remission of chronic urticaria has been reported after eradicat ion of H. pylori. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the prevale nce of H, pylori infection among chronic urticaria patients and to stud?; t he effect of eradication therapy on urticaria symptoms. Chronic urticaria p atients (n=235) were enrolled and H. pylori status was determined serologic ally. Thirty-five patients received antimicrobial triple therapy. 25% of the patients were positive for H, pylori. The prevalence of H, pylor i infection was not significantly higher among urticaria patients compared with the normal Finnish population in any of the age groups studied. Of the successfully treated patients, 27% showed remission of urticaria, Our data suggest that the prevalence of H. pylori infection is not elevated among c hronic urticaria patients and that H, pylori eradication does not appear to influence the course of chronic urticaria.