Improvement of complete blood count in patients with iron deficiency anemia and Helicobacter pylori infection after the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent reports support the possible association between Hp infection and iron deficiency anemia. In the present study, the effects of the eradication therapy on iron deficiency anemia were investigated.

METHODOLOGY: Fourteen women with iron deficiency anemia were enrolled (mean age: 36.4 years; range: 20-52 years old). None of the patients received iron supplementation. Several examinations including upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed to reveal any gastrointestinal bleeding sites in all patients. Gastric biopsies during endoscopy were taken from the subjects except one whose serum anti-Hp IgG was positive. After diagnosing the Hp infection by means of microbiology, histology and Gram stain, a combination therapy consisting of lansoprosol, clarithromycin and amoxicillin was administered to each patient. Hematologic examinations and the body iron status were evaluated periodically, following the eradication therapy.

RESULTS

Endoscopic findings were as follows: Seven patients with antral gastritis, two patients with pangastritis, whereas five patients were found to be endoscopically normal. None of the subjects were found to have gastrointestinal bleeding of any type. Serum hemoglobin, iron and transferrin saturations of the patients were found to be increased at 20-24 weeks of follow-up after the eradication therapy. Serum ferritin levels were not found to be increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Hp infection may be involved in cases of iron deficiency anemia of unknown origin, and the eradication of the infection may improve blood parameters other than serum ferritin levels.