The iron deficiency anemia in association to Helicobacter pylori infection in Najran city, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Despite previous studies showing that Helicobacter pylori influences iron consumption, it is unknown what causes iron deficiency anemia in response to H. pylori infection. The goal of the study was to find out whether having an infection with H. pylori was linked to a drop-in serum iron level. Detection of H. pylori infection presented by serological test to detect titers of IgG and IgA in blood serum. The determination of iron serum level was performed by using biochemistry spectrophotometry test. Additionally, a full blood count was done to assess the haemoglobin concentration and establish whether the patient was anemic. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U test. Approximately 35% of the H. pylori group reported a low serum iron level against a 5% only in the control group. Also, the total bilirubin levels were 2.6-fold more among H. pylori positive cases than controls. H. pylori can cause a decrease in serum iron levels in infected individuals and eventually lead to iron deficiency anemia. Moreover, high total bilirubin levels are recorded among H. pylori-infected patients.

Keywords

• Helicobacter pylori
• Serum iron
• Anemia
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Total bilirubin