Proof of an Association between Helicobacter pylori and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Latin America

Background: Association between Helicobacter pylori and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has been found in Japan and in some European countries. It has also been shown that eradication of H. pylori can increase platelet counts in patients with ITP. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with ITP in Colombia, and the effect of bacterial eradication on their platelet counts. Materials and methods: Between December 1998 and April 2006, a total of 32 patients diagnosed with ITP were included in the study. Controls were age and sex matched. Results: H. pylori infection in patients with ITP was significantly higher (p = .00006) than in control individuals (90.6% and 43.8%, respectively), as determined by 13C‐urea breath test. A significant association between H. pylori infection and ITP was found (p