Hematological parameters, serum iron and vitamin B 12 levels in hospitalized Palestinian adult patients infected with Helicobacter pylori: a case–control study

摘要

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between hematological parameters, serum iron, and vitamin B12levels in adult hospitalized Palestinian patients infected withHelicobacter pylori.MethodsThis case–control study included 150 adult (18–50 years old) patients infected withH. pyloriand 150 healthy adults. A complete blood count was performed, and serum iron and vitamin B12levels of the patients were measured, statistically analyzed and compared with the control group. All parameters in cases were reassessed after the triple treatment of omeprazole 20mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 1g b.i.d., and clarithromycin 500mg b.i.d. for 14 successive days. The triple treatment was the same for males and females.ResultsThe results revealed that the mean levels of hemoglobin, red cell count, white cell count and hematocrit were significantly lower and the red blood cell distribution width significantly higher in cases compared to controls, while no significant differences were found for mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and platelet count. Serum vitamin B12and iron levels were significantly lower in cases compared to controls (262.5±100.0 vs. 378.2±160.6pg/mL and 71.6±24.8 vs. 80.1±20.7μg/dL, respectively). Vitamin B12and serum iron increased significantly and was restored to close to normal levels after medical treatment.ConclusionsH. pyloriinfection appears to cause decreases in vitamin B12, iron levels and some hematological parameters. However, these were almost normalized after treatment with omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin.H. pyloriis associated with vitamin B12and iron deficiency, thus, this may be a useful marker and a possible therapeutic agent of anemic patients with gastritis.