effects of helicobacter pylori eradication on chronic idiopathic urticaria

background: chronic idiopathic urticaria is defined as urticaria, which lasts for more than 8 weeks and has no apparent etiology. the aim of this study was to examine the causal role of helicobacter pylori infection in chronic idiopathic urticaria.   methods: fifty-six patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria and a negative response to skin prick test for common aeroallergens were selected. they were examined for h pylori infection using a serologic test and urea breath test, and were divided into three groups. the first group included h pylori -positive patients (n=23), who did receive eradication regimen for two weeks. the second group comprised of h pylori -positive patients (n=15), who did not have the indications for anti h pylori treatment, and were not treated. the third group included h pylori -negative patients (n=18), who received no treatment. the patients were studied for signs and severity of urticaria.   results: in the first group, urticaria improved partially and completely in 74% (n=17) of cases.  in the second group, urticaria did not improve in 60% (n=9), and improved partially in 40% (n= 6) of cases. in the third group, urticaria did not improve in 61% (n=11), and improved partially in 39% (n=7) of cases. patients, who had a higher titer of urea breath test and longer period of symptomatic urticaria, had better response than the others.   conclusion: the findings suggest that anti- h pylori treatment is significantly effective in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria. h pylori eradication can be suggested as a method for treating urticaria, if the urea breath test is positive.