Hp Infection In ITP Patients

PrefaceIn the last few years, Helicobacter pylori (Hp) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ITP, but the incidence of Hp infection in severe ITP patients (with a platelet count <20×109 and a serous bleeding) and the relationship between Hp infection and characteristics of patients are not clearly literalized. We tested the Hp infection (with C14 urea breath test) and immune function of 30 severe ITP patients. We also searched the association between Hp infection and the response to steroids.Aims: The goals of this study were 1) to compare the incidence of Hp infection in severe ITP patients with normal control group; 2) to evaluate the relationship of Hp infection and the clinical characteristics of ITP patients.Methods: C14 urea breath test and immune function were measured in severe ITP patients. The relationship between Hp infection and the sex, age, megakaryocyte counts in bone marrow, immune function as well as response to steroids of ITP patients was evaluated.Results: The rates of Hp infection in severe ITP patients and normal control were 66.7% and 20% (P<0.01), respectively. ITP patients had higher IgG and lower C4 and CD4. Most Hp positive patients had good response to steroids.Conclusions: Hp infection is higher in severe ITP patients. ITP patients have cellular and humeral immune dysfunction. Hp positive patients have better response to steroids (19/20, 95%).