Iron deficiency and Helicobacter pylori infection in children
1Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia. neve.vendt@kliinikum.ee
Insights
This study found no association between Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency (ID) in school-aged children. Age was the primary risk factor identified for iron deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Nutritional Deficiencies
Background:
- Iron deficiency (ID) is a common nutritional concern in children.
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is prevalent globally and can affect child health.
- The relationship between H. pylori and ID in school-aged populations requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between iron deficiency and H. pylori infection in school-aged children.
- To identify risk factors for iron deficiency in this demographic.
- To explore potential links between H. pylori colonization and growth parameters.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 363 school-aged children.
- Measurements included hemoglobin (Hb), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and serological markers for H. pylori and celiac disease.
- Iron deficiency and anemia were defined using established criteria based on sTfR and Hb levels.
Main Results:
- Iron deficiency was present in 17% of children, with 5% also having anemia.
- H. pylori infection was detected in 27% of the children.
- While H. pylori seropositivity was more common in older children and those with ID, multivariate analysis showed no significant association between H. pylori and ID. Older age was a significant risk factor for ID.
Conclusions:
- Helicobacter pylori seropositivity is not significantly associated with iron deficiency in school-aged children.
- Increasing age emerged as the primary associated factor for iron deficiency in this study cohort.
- Further research may be needed to elucidate complex interactions between infections and nutritional status in children.
Aim:
To examine the relationship between iron deficiency (ID) and Helicobacter pylori infection in school-aged children.
Methods:
Altogether 363 children from ambulatory admission were consecutively enrolled in the study. Haemoglobin (Hb), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), IgG against H. pylori and IgA against tissue transglutaminase were measured. The criteria for ID were sTfR > 5.7 mg/L in children aged 7-12 years and sTfR > 4.5 mg/L in older children, for anaemia Hb < 115 g/L in the younger group and Hb < 130 g/L for older boys and Hb < 120 g/L for girls.
Results:
Iron deficiency was found in 17% of the children, 5% had also anaemia. H. pylori colonization was detected in 27% and serum markers for coeliac disease in 0.6% of the children. The prevalence of ID and H. pylori seropositivity was higher in older children (23% and 29%, vs 9% and 22%, respectively). Children with H. pylori were significantly shorter [length SDS 1.0 (0.98-1.01) vs 0.98 (0.97-0.99)]. Older children had risk for ID (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.3, p = 0.03). Although the prevalence of H. pylori seropositivity was higher in the ID group, it was not significantly associated with ID in multivariate analysis.
Conclusion:
Helicobacter pylori seropositivity was not associated with ID. The associated factor for ID was age.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Peptic Ulcer
01:16Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy
01:26Gastritis II: Pathophysiology
01:30Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
01:24Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology