[Reversal of iron deficiency anaemia after eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection].

INTRODUCTION

The implication of Helicobacter pylori in the onset of anaemia due to iron deficiency, other than the occult bleeding that this germ can provoke, mediated by a peptic ulcer, lymphoma or gastric adenocarcinoma, is still controversial.

OBSERVATION: A 30 year-old woman was followed-up for 9 years for chronic recurrent anaemia, despite repeated iron therapies. The duodenal-gastro-oesophageal fibroscopy with antral biopsy finally revealed the presence of Helicobacter pylori. Eradication of this infection with antibiotics cured the iron deficiency-induced anaemia and permitted the withdrawal of iron supplementation.

DISCUSSION: When digestive endoscopic evaluation is indicated in the etiological exploration of iron deficiency anaemia, it must systematically include, together with a duodenal biopsy, an antral biopsy in the search of Helicobacter pylori. In the case of Helicobacter pylori infection, specific therapy must be prescribed so as to assess its efficacy on iron deficiency.