Frequency of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Cases With Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is a common gastrointestinal disorder and may contribute to impaired iron absorption and iron deficiency anemia. Identifying the burden of iron deficiency anemia in infected patients may help improve timely screening and management. Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Methodology: This study included 251 patients aged 18 to 60 years, of either gender, with confirmed H. pylori infection, as determined by a stool antigen test. The study was conducted in the Department of Medicine at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from 26 October 2024 to 26 April 2025. Patients with chronic liver disease, bleeding disorders, thalassemia, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, and kidney disease were excluded. Iron deficiency anemia was defined as hemoglobin <12 g/dL in males and <11 g/dL in females, ferritin <30 ng/mL, total iron binding capacity >450 µg/dL, and serum iron <50 µg/dL. Data was analyzed using SPSS 25. Post-stratification chi-square test was applied, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 41.37 ± 12.77 years. There were 146 (58.2%) females and 105 (41.8%) males in this study. Iron deficiency anemia was diagnosed in 80 (31.9%) patients. Significant associations were observed between iron deficiency anemia and age >50 years (p < 0.001), female gender (p = 0.04), body mass index >25 kg/m2 (p = 0.002), and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.003). Conclusion: The frequency of iron deficiency anemia in patients with H pylori infection in this study was 31.9%. Older age, female gender, higher body mass index, and diabetes mellitus are significantly associated factors.