Chronic Pruritus Associated with Helicobacter Pylori

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori is an established cause of gastritis and has been implicated in extradigestive diseases. Objective: To investigate the role of H. pylori in patients with unexplained refractory pruritus. Methods: Ten patients with severe pruritus unresponsive to conventional therapy were evaluated for active H. pylori infection by H. pylori serology followed by either esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or urea breath test. Of the 10 patients, 8 were found to have active infection. All 10 received anti- H. pylori antibiotic therapy and were reevaluated for relief of pruritus. Results: Of 8 patients with active H. pylori infection, 87.5% (7/8) had some type of pruritus relief after triple therapy. Of these, 62.5% (5/8) had complete relief and 25% (2/8) had temporary relief of pruritus. The remaining 12.5% (1/8) did not respond. Two control patients without active H. pylori infection had no relief of pruritus with therapy. Conclusions: We have identified a population of patients with refractory pruritus and active H. pylori infection whose pruritus resolved after eradication of H. pylori.