Association between active Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency anaemia: a case-control study

Abstract Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may cause gastric ulcers or extra gastroduodenal disorders, including iron deficiency anaemia. We aimed to determine the relationship between iron deficiency anaemia and H. pylori infection. Methods A total of 291 participants (age ≥ 18 years old) derived from the case-control study (1:1.5) were included. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to examine the associations between Helicobacter pylori positivity, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anaemia status, adjusting for age, occupation, and residential area. Results Serum iron was significantly lower in the H. pylori-positive group compared with their counterparts (59.4 ± 42.1 µg/dL vs. 86.1 ± 32.0, p < 0.001). A strong correlation between TIBC and serum transferrin in the H. pylori-positive group was found (r = 0.855, p < 0.001). Other haematological indices, such as haemoglobin (Hb), MCV, MCH, and MCHC, were all lower in the H. pylori-positive group than in their counterparts (p < 0.001). The risks of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anaemia in the H. pylori-positive group were higher than those in the control group (AOR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.02–3.42 and AOR 4.99, 95% CI: 2.23–11.18, respectively). Conclusions We found a significant association between iron deficiency anaemia and H. pylori infection. The prevalence of H. pylori infection decreases with age. Our findings partly pave the way for the most critical guidelines for preventing iron deficiency anaemia in H. pylori-infected individuals, especially the middle-aged population. TIBC and serum transferrin may have potential clinical value in predicting and monitoring deficiency anaemia in adults with H. pylori infection.