Helicobacter Pylori infection and Persistent Itching

Background and study aim: Helicobacter (H) pylori is a worldwide prevalent infection with wide range of gastric and extra-gastric diseases. There is evidence in the literature linking H pylori to many skin diseases. The current study aimed at determining the frequency of H pylori among patients with persistent itching and evaluates impact of H pylori treatment on the course of the disease‎‎‎. Patients and Methods: ‎Two hundred eighty patients with persistent itching were tested for H pylori antigen in their stool. Patients with and without H pylori antigen positivity were compared. H pylori positive cases were treated by 2 weeks regimens‎.‎ Results: One hundred thirty patients (46.4%) were positive for H pylori stool antigen. Patients with and without H pylori stool antigen positivity were comparable in their demographic and laboratory parameters except for Ig E which was more positive among H pylori negative cases. H pylori positive cases had 60%, 20%, and 20% rates of complete resolution, partial resolution and non-resolution of itching after H pylori treatment respectively‎‎. Conclusion: Among patients with persistent itching recruited in the current study, 46.4% had an evidence of H pylori infection. H pylori positive cases with persistent itching did not have elevated Ig E levels. Out of 130 H pylori positive cases 60% had complete resolution of itching after treatment of H pylori‎‎‎‎.