title: Iron deficiency anemia as the only sign of infection with Helicobacter pylori: a report of 9 pediatric cases.
abstract: Recently, an association between Helicobacter pylori (HP) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was proposed. We describe 9 pediatric patients with a history of long-standing IDA and HP infection. After HP test results were confirmed to be positive, anti-HP therapy consisting of omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin was administered for 2 weeks. The hematologic profile and iron status were assessed before and periodically after the end of the eradication regimen. The eradication of HP was associated with stable normalization of iron stores. HP infection may be involved in cases of IDA of unknown origin, and the eradication of HP is associated with the resolution of anemia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Russo-Mancuso
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Branciforte
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Licciardello
authors.forename: Milena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: La Spina
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D015415:Biomarkers; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D007501:Iron