H pylori-induced thrombocytopenia in a Caucasian female

Abstract

SummaryWe present a rare, but increasingly recognised, cause of thrombocytopenia in a 69-year-old Caucasian female. Complete haematological investigation, including blood films and autoantibody screen, did not reveal a cause for her thrombocytopenia. Omission of potentially offending medication did not improve the low platelet count. She had no features of systemic infection or inflammatory disease on history and examination. In light of persistent thrombocytopenia, Helicobacter pylori stool antigen was tested, and found to be positive. Platelet count improved after eradication therapy for H pylori. This prevented the need for steroid and immunoglobulin treatment in this patient. BACKGROUND

Relação entre a infecção por Helicobacter pylori e doenças hematológicas: uma revisão integrativa

“…Altemimi et al 44 relataram o caso de uma mulher de 69 anos em que a investigação não revelou uma causa para a trombocitopenia, até que H. pylori foi testada e comprovada. A contagem de plaquetas melhorou após a erradicação, evitando tratamento com esteroides e imunoglobulinas.…”