Eradication of H. Pylori in HCV-Related Liver Cirrhosis Does Not Improve Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Background: In patients with chronic liver disease, thrombocytopenia is the most prevalent hematological abnormality. Immunological thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has been attributed to infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In individuals with persistent ITP, eradication of H. pylori causes an increase in platelet counts and is therefore recommended. However, it is uncertain if eradication will influence platelet counts in HCV-related liver cirrhosis in the same way. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of active Helicobacter pylori in patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis and to evaluate the effectiveness of H. pylori eradication on platelet count in HCV-related liver cirrhosis patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 100 individuals were included in the study, and those who were tested positive for H. pylori were treated. H. pylori eradication was determined by detecting H. pylori antigen in the stool four weeks after the end of the therapy. Complete blood count, prothrombin time (PT), and liver function tests were all tested (ALT, total bilirubin, Alfa fetoprotein, serum creatinine and albumin). Platelet counts were assessed following the final eradication medication at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: H. pylori positivity was identified in 66 of the 100 individuals with HCV-related liver cirrhosis. In all of the patients, the oral treatment regimen was successful in eradicating H. pylori. All of the patients had a Child-Pugh classification of A. The platelet counts of patients with H. pylori eradication did not significantly increase following treatment. Conclusion:In HCV-related liver cirrhosis, eradication of H. pylori does not ameliorate thrombocytopenia.