Is Helicobacter pylori infection a risk factor for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in children

Background: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder, which occurs as a result of autoantibodies attachment to the platelets surface and subsequent destruction. Several organisms can mimic features of human antigens (Ags) and induce autoantibody production. One of these organisms is Helicobacter pylori (HP). We assessed the prevalence and relationship of HP infection with ITP in a population of children. Materials and Methods: One hundred and six children younger than 18 years old were enrolled in this case-control study in which 42 children with ITP were in the case group and 64 healthy children were in the control group. Stool exam for detection of HP-Ag were performed and the variables were compared between the two groups. Results: Mean standard deviation age of case and control group was 6.4 3.4 and 8.6 4.4 years old, respectively. HP stool Ag differ significantly between the case and the control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results support the role of HP in ITP of children, and urea breath test or Ag detection of HP in stool of these patients is recommended.