Association of Helicobacter pylori infection and childhood chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Objectives Helicobacter pylori infection is recognized as a significant contributing factor to both newly diagnosed and chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The prevalence of H. pylori among ITP patients varies widely among different geographic locations. We aimed at this study to explore the prevalence of H. pylori infection among children with persistent and chronic ITP. Patients and methods Children and adolescents with persistent and chronic ITP, who presented at the pediatric hematology department at a tertiary University Children’s hospital, were recruited. They were investigated for H. pylori infection by H. pylori antibodies (immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G), urea breath test, and anti-cytotoxin-associated gene A and anti-vacuolating cytotoxin A. Results A total of 40 patients were included with a mean age of 8.5 years, while the mean age at diagnosis of ITP was 6 years. H. pylori serology test was positive among 13 (32.5%) patients. Urea breath test was reported positive among seven patients. Conclusion The prevalence of H. pylori infection in pediatric ITP in this study was found to be 32.5%. Further studies would be needed to solidify the role of H. pylori eradication therapy in childhood ITP.