Reversal of iron deficiency anemia after Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with asymptomatic gastritis.
BACKGROUND
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia worldwide. Recent studies have suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of eradicating H. pylori with combination antibiotic therapy on iron deficiency anemia in patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
30 patients with a long history of iron deficiency anemia in whom H. pylori-associated gastritis was the only pathologic gastrointestinal finding detected.


METHODS
Eradication therapy with two antibiotics and discontinuation of iron replacement therapy.


METHODS
Complete blood count, ferritin levels, and gastroscopy with biopsy to evaluate H. pylori status.


RESULTS
At 6 months, 75% of patients had recovered from anemia (P<0.001), ferritin values increased from 5.7+/-0.7 microg/L to 24.5+/-5.2 microg/L (95% CI, 8.85 to 29.97). After 12 months, 91.7% of patients had recovered from anemia.


CONCLUSIONS
Cure of H. pylori infection is associated with reversal of iron dependence and recovery from iron deficiency anemia.
Annibale
B
B
University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Marignani
M
M
Monarca
B
B
Antonelli
G
G
Marcheggiano
A
A
Martino
G
G
Mandelli
F
F
Caprilli
R
R
Delle Fave
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D005756:Gastritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005773:Gastroscopy; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005293:Ferritins