Severe Anemia and Helicobacter Pylori Infection in school age Children; A case reports
Insights
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may cause severe iron-deficiency anemia in children when standard tests fail. Treating H. pylori infection resolved anemia and improved health in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant global health issue, particularly in children.
- Unexplained IDA cases warrant further investigation beyond routine diagnostics.
- Emerging evidence links Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection to IDA.
Observation:
- Four school-aged children presented with severe, refractory IDA and H. pylori gastritis.
- Patients exhibited symptoms including abdominal pain, weakness, and respiratory distress.
- Initial iron therapy was ineffective in improving hemoglobin levels.
Findings:
- Diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection led to normalization of clinical symptoms.
- Hemoglobin levels and iron profiles improved significantly post-treatment.
- Patients experienced weight gain and overall health improvement.
Implications:
- Screening for H. pylori infection is recommended for children with refractory moderate to severe IDA.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori can effectively manage associated anemia.
- This approach may prevent long-term health complications in affected children.
Background:
Iron-deficiency anemia is a widespread public health problem with major consequences for human health especially, children. However, in a fraction of patients an underlying cause is never found during routine investigation. Recent studies have suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) infection and iron-deficiency anemia.
Case Presentation:
Here is reported four school aged children (two male, two female) with refractory severe iron-deficiency anemia associated H. Pylori gastritis. Mean age of the patients was 13.62 years old and they were admitted with chief complaints of abdominal, chest pain weakness, headache and respiratory distress. Mean hemoglobin level in patients was 6.2 g/dl with persistence to iron therapy. After the diagnosis and therapy of H. pylori infection, clinical complaints, hemoglobin level and iron profiles were being normal and they gained weight.
Conclusion:
This study suggests screening of H. pylori infection and appropriate treatment in any case of refractory moderate to severe iron-deficiency anemia, especially with clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal tract in children.
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