TY - JOUR T1 - Platelet count response to Helicobacter pylori eradication for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in northeastern Brazil JO - Hematology, Transfusion and Cell Therapy T2 - AU - Barbosa,Alzira Maria de Castro AU - Ribeiro,Rosangela Albuquerque AU - Silva,Cícero Ígor Simões Moura AU - Cruz,Francisco Will Saraiva AU - Azevedo,Orleancio Gomes Ripardo de AU - Pitombeira,Maria Helena da Silva AU - Braga,Lucia Libanez Campelo SN - 25311379 M3 - 10.1016/j.bjhh.2017.09.005 DO - 10.1016/j.bjhh.2017.09.005 UR - http://www.htct.com.br/en-platelet-count-response-helicobacter-pylori-articulo-S1516848417301287 AB - BackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated that platelet counts in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura improved significantly after successful eradication of the infection. However, depending of the geographical region of the study the results have been highly divergent. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication therapy on platelet count in a cohort of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients from northeastern Brazil. MethodH. pylori status was determined in 28 chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients using the rapid urease test and histology. H. pylori-positive patients received standard triple therapy for one week. The effect of the eradication therapy was evaluated using the 13C-urea breath test two to three months after treatment. ResultsThe prevalence of H. pylori infection was similar to that found in the general population. Twenty-two patients (78.5%) were H. pylori-positive. Fifteen were treated, 13 (86%) of whom successfully. At six months, 4/13 (30%) displayed increased platelet counts, which remained throughout follow-up (12 months). Platelet response was not associated to mean baseline platelet count, duration of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, gender, age, previous use of medication, or splenectomy. ConclusionsH. pylori eradication therapy showed relatively low platelet recovery rates, comparable with previous studies from southeastern Brazil. The effect of H. pylori eradication on platelet counts remained after one year of follow-up suggesting that treating H. pylori infection might be worthwhile in a subset of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients. ER -