EVALUATION OF THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AND IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN NON-PREGNANT ADULTS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Helicobacter pylori, iron deficiency anemia, non-pregnant adults, ferritin, gastrointestinal infection, anemia etiology
Abstract
Background:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders. Recent studies suggest a potential role of H. pylori infection in the pathogenesis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), particularly in adults without apparent blood loss. This study aimed to evaluate the association between H. pylori infection and IDA in non-pregnant adult individuals.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 200 non-pregnant adults aged 18–60 years attending a tertiary care center. Participants were divided into two groups: IDA group (n=100) and non-anemic control group (n=100). Complete blood count, serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and H. pylori status (determined via urea breath test or stool antigen test) were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test and logistic regression, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results:
Among the IDA group, 68% (n=68) tested positive for H. pylori, while only 32% (n=32) of the control group were H. pylori-positive (p<0.001). Mean serum ferritin levels in H. pylori-positive individuals were significantly lower (11.5 ± 2.6 ng/mL) compared to H. pylori-negative subjects (24.3 ± 3.9 ng/mL). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that H. pylori infection was independently associated with an increased risk of IDA (Odds Ratio = 3.75; 95% CI: 2.15–6.52; p<0.001).
Conclusion:
The findings suggest a strong association between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia in non-pregnant adults. Screening for H. pylori may be considered in unexplained IDA cases, especially when dietary or other causes are excluded.
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Dr Pinank Mer
Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Geetanjali Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India