Does <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection relate to iron deficiency anaemia in prepubescent children under 12 years of age?

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). METHODS: Haemoglobin levels, iron parameters and serum IgG antibodies to H. pylori were measured in 693 children aged 9 to 12 y. RESULTS: No significant differences in the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection and antibody titres to H. pylori were found between the IDA group and the non-anaemic controls. CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection does not seem to contribute to iron deficiency in prepubescent children.