Prevalence of the Helicobacter pylori infection in chronic urticaria

Abstract

Background Urticaria is one of the most common clinically diagnosed dermatologic diseases. Wheals and pruritus are typical presentation of disease. Correlation between chronic urticaria (CU) and Helicobacter pylori infection has been proposed by many studies previously.Objective To confirm the correlation between H. pylori infection and CU by the anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin measurement.Patients and methods In a case-control study, we measured serum anti- H. pylori IgG and IgA in 43 patients with CU, 10 patients with CU and angioedema and 40 normal persons as controls. Personal identity, disease duration, presence of gastrointestinal complaints, angioedema history and previous history of anti-H. pylori treatment was collected and then analyzed by the SPSS software.Results Anti-H. pylori P IgG, anti-H. pylori P IgA and anti-H. pylori IgA plus IgG together were positive in the 72.1%, 46.5% and 44.18% of the CU patients, respectively. Among patients with CU and angioedema anti-H. pylori IgG, anti-H. pylori IgA and anti-H. pylori IgG plus IgA together were positive in the 90%, 60% and 60%, respectively. Anti-HP IgG, anti-H. pylori IgA and anti-H. pylori IgG plus IgA together were positive in the 37.5%, 40% and 27.5% of the control group, respectively. Anti-H. pylori IgG and anti-H. pylori IgG plus IgA antibodies together in the CU patients were statistically associated (P<0.002). Angioedema presentation was related to the serum anti-H. pylori IgG with the 86% accuracy confidence.Conclusion: Our study supports the correlation between CU and H. pylori infection and H. pylori eradication therapy may have a role in the CU treatment protocol.