Several studies have shown that H pylori eradication can have a positive effect on patients with chronic ITP. It surprises me, therefore, that when I search for information on such diseases, I see no mention of H pylori anywhere.
Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are basically characterized when our own immune systems decide to attack our own tissues. There are many autoimmune diseases, some of the most common being multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
The disease is mediated by anti-platelet autoantibodies, which cause lower levels of platelets in patients.
H pylori eradication seems to improve platelet counts in around half the patients with chronic ITP.
Indeed, a statement in the medical journal "Helicobacter" states:
"Due to the fact that most studies demonstrated remarkable therapeutic benefits (bacterial eradication rate, platelet response rate, durability of response), of antibiotics plus proton pump inhibitors for adult patients with chronic ITP and active H pylori infection, the European Helicobacter Study Group consensus 2007 has recommended the eradication of H pylori in patients with chronic ITP".
A very respectable 18 studies are cited within the article in support of this recommendation.
It would be wrong to assume that all cases of chronic ITP are caused by H pylori. But when there is such strong evidence to support the case that H pylori can contribute to, or even cause, a condition, we must sit up and take notice.
It is also known that H pylori infection can lead to a decline in vitamin B12 and even folic acid in infected patients. This is interesting because deficiencies in these two important nutrients can, themselves, lead to decreased platelet counts, thus providing another mechanism by which H pylori may contribute to, or cause, the development of chronic ITP in some people.
If you, or someone you know, has ITP, I suggest that you look for the underlying cause of the problem rather than just trying to treat the symptom.
Get a test for H pylori, whether that is with your doctor or with a company specializing in digestive health, such as my company.
We can certainly help you with the testing process if you need help and we don't just test for H pylori - we consider 35 or more different digestive invaders, food sensitivities and lots more.
Believe it or not, autoimmune reactions can be caused by simple foods such as gluten, from exposure to chemicals that simply should not be in the body or by other chronic digestive infections like parasites, yeast/fungi and bacteria such as H pylori, Yersinia and Klebsiella.
A thorough review and overhaul of your diet and lifestyle as well as advanced testing for some of these other potential autoimmune triggers is by far the best way to address conditions such as ITP.
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