Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on deep vein thrombosis seen in patients with Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of homocysteine metabolism due to Helicobacter pylori infection on the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with Behcet's disease (BD).

DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital.

SUBJECT: Fifty-five patients with BD divided into groups, with DVT and without DVT, 19 healthy individuals and 18 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were enrolled into the study.

INTERVENTIONS: Plasma homocysteine and Hp seropositivity were determined.

RESULTS

There was significant Hp positivity in all groups (p > 0.05). Homocysteine levels were not significantly different for each group except patients with CAD (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was no difference for frequency of Hp infection in all groups. We conclude that Hp does not influence DVT seen in BD via homocysteine metabolism, but the methinnin-loading test would be appropriate for enlighting patients whose fasting plasma homocysteine levels are found to be normal.