THE EFFECT OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI ERADICATION ON IDIOPATHIC CHRONIC URTICARIA

Background and purpose: Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a recurrent disorder that is characterized by itching wheels lasting more than 6 weeks. Etiology of CIU is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection eradication in improvement of CIU. Materials and methods: In this double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 60 CIU patients were enrolled in the study. Urea breath test (UBT) was performed for indicating the Hp infection. Hp positive patients were divided in 2 groups: cases that were treated with quadruple therapy for eradication of Hp(Amoxicillin, Omeprazole, Bismuth and Metronidazole) and controls (placebo). The gastrointestinal (GI) and dermatologic symptoms and signs were recorded and compared in the beginning of the study, and 1 and 3 months after the treatment. Results: From 60 CIU patients, 32 (53%) were UBT positive. 15 cases and 13 controls completed the study. There were no significant statistical differences between the two groups for their GI and dermatologic complaints before intervention, and 1 and 3 months after eradication, except for pyrosis that was improved in cases after 3 months (P= 0.029) Conclusion: Eradication of Hp does not have any effect on improving CIU symptoms or signs.