The Correlation Between H. Pylori Infection with Serum Ferritin Concentration and Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia worldwide, however a significant number of these patients remain undiagnosed. Based on the high frequency of iron deficiency anemia and H. pylori infection in Iran, we have evaluated their correlation in this study. 184 patients mostly with GI system complaints were referred for determination of serum anti H. pylori IgG and IgA levels. In addition, we performed complete cell blood count and serum ferritin concentration tests for all the patients. Statistical analysis was performed on the results in order to determine possible correlations. Our results showed that in 77.8% of our patients at least one of serum anti H. pylori IgG or IgA antibodies was positive. The rate of positive serology was increased in higher age groups. Patients’ gender did not influence the results. Serum ferritin level did not show any correlation with H. pylori infection and the frequency of iron deficiency anemia was not higher in infected individuals. Although many studies have shown positive correlation between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia, however few studies have not confirmed these findings. Our study does not support this correlation, as well. Due to high frequency of both iron deficiency anemia and H. pylori infection in Iran, further large scale studies are recommended.