Poor platelet Count Response to Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in Patients with Severe Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Abstract

Introduction: ITP is an autoimmune blood disorder in which platelet destruction is mediated by anti-platelet antibodies. The mechanisms of anti-platelet antibodies development are still a little known. The rate of some bacterial or viral agents in cause of ITP is well known. Recently, some study proposed that H pylori infection may be associated with ITP and H pylori eradication can improves platelet counts in infected ITP patients.

Materials and method: A baseline platelet count <50×10(3) µL for 4 weeks prior to study entry were required. These patients were tested for H. pylori infection by urea breath. All positive H pylori patients received triple therapy for 7 or 14 days to eradicate H pylori infection. These patients followed for six months.

Results: Of 92 patients with ITP, H pylori infection was found in 59.7% (55/92). After excluding patients with confounding factors, 41 patients were remained. After H pylori eradication, CR wasn't obtained in any patients. Partial response were obtained only in 3 (7.3%) of the 41 patients and no response in 38 (92.6%) patients. There is a significant difference between the platelet counts of PR and NR groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The results of this study and our previously study showed H pylori eradication therapy has beneficial effect for patients with mild thrombocytopenia but the chance of obtaining a response by H pylori treatment is lower in patients with severe thrombocytopenia.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori; Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; Platelet counts.

Figure 1

Platelet count response status after 6 months vs baseline platelet ( ×10³ µm)