The long-term efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Background and Aim: A beneficial effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in patients with H. pylori‐positive idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has been reported by several investigators; however, it was not clear whether the recovered platelet count after H. pylori eradication was maintained for a long period. Method: Thirty‐eight ITP patients who were examined for H. pylori infection were assessed. H. pylori‐positive patients received a standard antibiotic therapy for H. pylori eradication. We investigated the long‐term effect of H. pylori eradication on platelet recovery in patients with H. pylori‐positive ITP. Results: Of the 38 ITP patients, 26 (68.4%) were positive for H. pylori. The response rate of platelet recovery was 56.5% (13/23 patients). Twelve patients showed complete response (CR) and one showed partial response (PR). The mean platelet counts 6 months after eradication significantly increased from 31 × 109/L to 129 × 109/L in 23 H. pylori‐eradicated patients (P