Evaluation of Serum Vitamin B12 and Ferritin Levels in H. Pylori- Associated Gastritis

H. Pylori infection is a major gastric infection worldwide and has been associated with many haematinics deficiencies. The aim of the study was to find out an association between H. Pylori associated gastritis, vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies. A prospective case control study was conducted on 60 confirmed H. Pylori associated gastritis’ patients and 60 nonH. Pylori infected controls. The detection of H. Pylori was confirmed by endoscopy and either rapid urease test or urea breath test for each patient. A venous blood sample was collected; complete blood count, serum ferritin and vitamin B12 measurement were performed for all cases and controls. Among the total 60 H .Pylori associated gastritis there were 32(53.3%) males and 28(46.7%) were females, their ages ranged between 17-80 years. CBC parameters and B12 level were measured in 30 cases and compared to 30 H. Pylori non-infected controls; Hb/PCV, RBCs, TWBCs, and platelets count showed significant differences between cases and controls (p-values: 0.05). H. Pylori infection is the most common cause of gastritis in Sudan. There is an association between H. Pylori -induced gastritis and low levels of B12.Therefore, measurement of serum vitamin B12 level might has a clinical value in such patients.