Risk Factors for Helicobacter Pylori infection and Its Relations with Iron Deficiency Anemia and Children's Growth

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is common in children and causes a number of diseases including peptic ulcers, iron deficiency anemia, decreased growth rate, and gastrointestinal cancer. This study assessed the effects of various factors on the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the relations of the infection with iron deficiency anemia and children’s growth. We also compared gastrointestinal symptoms in children with Helicobacter pylori infection and healthy children. Methods: This study was conducted on 99 children who referred to the endoscopy unit of Alzahra Hospital (Isfahan, Iran) during 2010-11. Cultures of endoscopic specimens were obtained and complete blood counts were performed. The demographic, economic, and social risk factors for acquiring Helicobacter pylori infection were recorded. Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease were also collected using a questionnaire. Findings: Among children with Helicobacter pylori infection (n = 31), the prevalence of smoking parents, keeping pets at home, family history of dyspepsia, shared bedroom, and family size of greater than four was 6.0%, 9.0%, 12.5%, 69.0%, and 75.0%, respectively. Seven Helicobacter pylori-infected children (22.6%) and eight healthy children (11.9%) were anemic (P = 0.14). Conclusion: Given the high prevalence and treatment costs of Helicobacter pylori infection, further studies are warranted to determine its risk factors. On the other hand, inconsistencies in the results of previous studies about the association of anemia and Helicobacter pylori infection necessitate more studies in this field. Keywords: Risk factors, Helicobacter pylori infection, Iron deficiency anemia