ITP Treatments

Antibiotics

While this is not a common treatment for ITP, it is growing in popularity since a recent Italian study linked ITP and Helicobacter pylori.  Researchers in the United States and other countries are continuing to study this phenomenon.   Other infections diseases such as Hepatitis C have also been linked to ITP.

"Recent reports have suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The prevalence of H pylori infection and the effect of its eradication in a series of 30 ITP patients were investigated. H pylori infection has been documented in 13 patients (43.33%) by 13C urea breath test and confirmed by histologic examination. Bacterium eradication with antibiotics, obtained in 12 of 13 infected patients (92.3%), led to a complete response in 4 (33.33%) and to a partial response (platelets 90 × 109/L-120 × 109/L) in 2 (16.66%). The response was maintained for a median of 8.33 months, but 1 patient relapsed 7 months after eradication. Search for H pylori infection seems appropriate in ITP patients at diagnosis. Bacterium eradication provides a new good option for a nonimmunosuppressive treatment in some ITP patients. (Blood. 2001;97:812-814)"

Related Web Sites

 

• Roadback Foundation
• The Helicobacter Pylori Foundation  
• www.helico.com