Is There a Relationship Between Childhood Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Abstract

An association between Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia has been reported in children, and it has been proposed that H. pylori infection needs to be eradicated to treat absolutely iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We investigated whether there was any correlation between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency (ID) and IDA in children, and whether the eradication of H. pylori infection without iron treatment would lead to the resolution of ID. Hemoglobin and ferritin levels, H. pylori stool antigen test and (14)C urea breath test were measured in 140 children aged 6--16 years (median 9.5 years). Children with H. pylori infection were divided into three groups on the basis of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and serum ferritin levels: groups of IDA, ID, and control. All the children received anti-H. pylori combination therapy consisting of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and lansoprazole. Hemoglobin and MCV values rose significantly compared with baseline values after H. pylori eradication without iron supplementation in children with IDA (p=0.002 and p=0.003, respectively). Ferritin values increased significantly after H. pylori eradication in children with ID (p<0.001). We conclude that complete recovery of ID and IDA can be achieved with H. pylori eradication without iron supplementation in children with H. pylori infection.

Correlation of Helicobacter Pylori Infection With IL-8 and Recurrence of Abdominal Pain: Our Experience from an Endemic Area

“…Lower socioeconomic status, crowded families and sharing of common living areas with compromised hygiene can also lead to increase the dissemination of H. pylori [36] . In our study, H. pylori positive cases revealed a significant difference in the incidence of anemia (Table 2) and these results are in accordance with another previous study done by Kurekci et al [37] . Development of anemia during H. pylori infection could be originated from poor absorption of iron due to low gastric acid secretion and/or poor dietary intake and utilization of iron by the bacterial flora [29] .…”

Serum Zinc, Copper, Magnesium and Selenium Levels in Children with Helicobacter Pylori Infection

“…Studies have shown that H. pylori eradication may be useful in treating the iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia without iron replacement [19]. Similarly, it has been reported that H. pylori eradication may be useful in treating vitamin B12, vitamin A and vitamin E deficiencies without replacing these vitamins [11].…”

Helicobacter pylori and recurrent abdominal pain in children: Is there any relation?

“…16,30 Comparison between HP positive cases and HP negative cases revealed a statistically significant difference in the incidence of iron deficiency anemia (p=0.025). 41,42 The postulated mechanisms for IDA in H. pylori infection include, poor absorption of iron due to low gastric acid secretion, poor dietary intake and utilization of iron by the bacteria itself. 26 A meta-analysis of observational studies suggests an association between H. pylori and IDA.…”