Abstract

Platelet count improvement in a patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), after Helicobacter pylori eradication, is still a controversial issue. The literature review has shown that thrombocytopenia is improved at various degrees after complete eradication of H. pylori. To provide a comprehensive view, four randomized control trials were summarized, which examined the effect of H. pylori eradication on the platelet count in ITP patients. Pub Med, Google Scholar, and EBSCO databases were systematically searched for relevant articles. From four studies, a total of 131 ITP–H. pylori-infected patients were included in this review, wherein the 13°C urea breath test was the predominant test. Helicobacter pylori eradication regiment was in the form of a triple therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and lansoprazole). The improvement range in the platelet count was from 14% to 60%. Three out of four studies concluded that in ITP patients, H. pylori eradication provides a significant platelet response.

Key words: Helicobacter pylori, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, triple therapy, eradication