Korean J Med.  2008 Mar;74(3):330-335.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: Report of 3 cases

• Song EK
• Lee NR
• Kwak JY
• Yim CY

Abstract

There are several reports suggesting Helicobacter pylori can initiate and perpetuate idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and eradication of H. pylori can increase the platelet counts, however, the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with ITP is similar to that found in the general population and a recovery of thrombocytopenia after H. pylori eradication therapy has not been identified reliably. We report three different cases of H. pylori infected patients with ITP who recovered completely after eradication of H. pylori. The first case was refractory, the second was recurred after conventional treatment for ITP, and the third was treated with H. pylori eradication on first line treatment. We believe that the eradication of H. pylori is useful in some patients with ITP in Korea and well controlled randomized study is necessary for further identification of such population.

Keyword

Helicobacter pylori; Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

MeSH Terms

Helicobacter
Helicobacter pylori
Humans
Korea
Platelet Count
Prevalence
Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
Thrombocytopenia