Analyzing Risk Factors and Hematological Indices Associated with Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatric Patients
Insights
Poor socioeconomic conditions, hygiene, and family history are key risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in children with peptic ulcers. HP infection significantly alters blood routine indexes, impacting immune function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Peptic ulcers in children can be associated with Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection.
- Identifying risk factors for HP infection is crucial for prevention and management in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the impact of HP infection on hematological parameters is important for clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify independent risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in children diagnosed with peptic ulcers.
- To investigate the association between HP infection and changes in routine blood test indexes in these children.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 173 children with peptic ulcers was studied.
- Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection was detected using the 13C rapid urea breath test.
- Routine blood tests and a questionnaire on hygiene and socioeconomic factors were administered.
Main Results:
- Independent risk factors for HP infection included poor economic conditions, small living area, shared tableware, poor parental hygiene, and family history of ulcer.
- HP-positive children showed significantly lower Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Hemoglobin (Hb), and Hematocrit (HCT) levels.
- HP-positive children exhibited a significantly higher platelet count compared to HP-negative children.
Conclusions:
- Socioeconomic status, living conditions, hygiene practices, and family history are significant determinants of HP infection in children with peptic ulcers.
- HP infection is associated with notable alterations in blood routine indexes, suggesting an impact on hematopoiesis and immune response.
- These findings can inform targeted preventive strategies and clinical management of HP infection in pediatric peptic ulcer disease.
Objective:
This study aimed to identify risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in children with peptic ulcers and to examine the associated changes in blood routine indexes.
Methods:
A total of 173 children diagnosed with peptic ulcers in our hospital between January 2017 and January 2022 were included in the study. All participants underwent the 13C rapid urea breath test to detect HP infection. Additionally, routine blood tests were performed to analyze the blood routine indexes. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on hygiene habits and family income, which were then correlated with HP infection.
Results:
The analysis revealed several significant findings. The following risk factors were identified as independent factors for HP infection in children with peptic ulcers: poor economic conditions (odds ratio [OR] = 2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-4.72), small per capita living area (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.12-3.34), the use of family-shared tableware (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.25-3.77), poor parental hygiene habits (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.19-3.63), and a family history of ulcer (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.08-3.29). HP-positive patients exhibited significant differences in blood routine indexes compared to HP-negative patients. Specifically, they had lower RBC count (mean difference = -0.82, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.19), lower Hb level (mean difference = -0.61, 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.10), lower HCT level (mean difference = -1.08, 95% CI: -1.82 to -0.35), and higher platelet count (mean difference = 36.72, 95% CI: 8.21-65.23).
Conclusion:
This study provides important insights into the risk factors associated with HP infection in children with peptic ulcers and highlights the changes in blood routine indexes that occur with the infection. The identified risk factors, including poor economic conditions, small living area, family-shared tableware, parental hygiene habits, and family history of ulcer, can guide preventive strategies and interventions for HP infection in children. The findings also emphasize the significance of age as a factor in HP infection rates. Moreover, the observed alterations in blood routine indexes indicate the impact of HP infection on immune function in affected children. This study contributes to the understanding of HP infection in children and offers valuable implications for clinical practice, enabling better prevention and control of HP infection in this vulnerable population.
Keywords:
children with peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori, blood routine test, risk factors.
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