How Does H pylori Affect Platelet Counts in ITP Patients?
The eradication of helicobacter pylori (H pylori) significantly increases platelet counts in adults with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), according to the results of a recent study.
Previous research has suggested an association between H pylori infection and the incidence of ITP.
To further explore this association, researchers conducted a prospective study involving 50 patients with chronic ITP, 36 of whom also had H pylori infection. Infected patients were treated with triple therapy (omeprazole 40 mg once daily, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily) for 14 days, and uninfected patients received no treatment. Platelet counts were conducted at baseline, at the end of the first month, at the end of the 3rd month, and at the end of the 6th month.
After 6 months, platelet counts increased in 34 patients who were treated for H pylori (94.44%) and decreased in 2 patients (5.56%) compared to baseline counts. Ten patients (27.77%) showed complete response while 18 (50%) showed partial response. Among those without H pylori, platelet count increased in 5 patients (25.71%), but they did not achieve either complete or partial response.
“H pylori eradication in ITP patients leads to significant Improvement of peripheral blood platelet count in most patients,” the researchers concluded.
—Michael Potts
Reference:
Aljarad S, Alhamid A, Tarabishi AS, et al. The impact of helicobacter pylori eradication on platelet counts of adult patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura [published online September 20, 2018]. BMC Hematology. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12878-018-0119-y.