Does H. pylori therapy augments the effect of iron therapy among children with iron deficiency anemia

Background: To assess beneficial effects of H. pylori therapy on children with pre-existing Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). Methods: A total of 218 consecutive patients with iron deficiency anemia (Hb 6-11 gm/dl) were invited to participate in the study. Patients underwent endoscopic biopsy and rapid urease test for H. pylori detection. A total of three groups were formed- Group I (n=13) - positive for H. pylori , underwent treatment for H. pylori therapy and IDA, Group II (n=16) - positive for H. pylori , underwent treatment for IDA only, Group III (n=101) - negative for H. pylori , underwent treatment for IDA only. All the patients were followed up after every 4 weeks till week 12. Change in haematological parameters and anaemic and iron status was assessed. Chi-square paired ‘t’-test and ANOVA were used using SPSS 21.0. Results: All the 3 groups showed a significant increase in S. Hb, Ferritin and iron levels and a decrease in S. TIBC levels. At 12 weeks, mean S. ferritin and S. iron levels were significantly higher in Groups I and III as compared to Group II while Mean S. TIBC levels were significantly higher in Group II as compared to that in Groups I and II. A total of 73.3% of Group III, 53.8% of Group I and 56.3% of Group II patients had hemoglobin levels >11 g/dl, but difference was not significant (p=0.175). Conclusions: The findings of study showed that H. pylori therapy augments the effect of iron therapy among H. pylori positive children with iron deficiency anemia.