Helicobacter pylori infection: prevalence in chronic urticaria patients and incidence of autoimmune urticaria (study in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta).

AIM To determine the prevalence of Hp infection in patients with chronic urticaria (CU) and to evaluate the result of autologous serum skin test (ASST) in CU patients with Hp infections. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 16 patients with chronic urticaria and 16 non-urticaria volunteers were investigated (matched for age and sex). All subjects were examined for Hp infection with the 13C-urea breath test. Autologous serum skin test was performed in patients with proven Hp infection. RESULTS Helicobacter pylori was detected in 12.5% of patients and 0% of the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.484 using Fisher exact test). Autologous serum skin test was positive in 1 of 2 CU patients with Hp infection. CONCLUSION In this study, there was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of Hp infection between CU patients and controls. Autologous serum skin test was positive in 1 of 2 CU patients with Hp infection.