Helicobacter pylori infection and anemia in dyspeptic patients – a cross sectional study

H pylori and anemia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and anemia.

Study Design: Analytical cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi for 6 months from 02 Jan 2025 to 10 Jun 2025.
Materials and Methods: After informed consent, demographic and clinical information was obtained in 285 patients. Four cc blood was drawn for complete blood count. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin level < 12 g/dl in women and < 13 g/dl in men. The Helicobacter pylori rapid antigen test was done on stool samples. Saline stool preparation was checked for the presence of parasites. Bivariate regression analysis and Chi square tests were conducted to find association amongst variables. P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of 285 participants, 113 (39.6%) were male and 172 (60.4%) were female. The H. pylori infection was present in 44.9% (128/285) patients and anemia was present in 25.3% (72/285). Among anemic patients, 48/72 (66.7%) were H. pylori-positive compared to 80/213 (37.5%) non-anemic patients. H. pylori infection was significantly associated with anemia (P < 0.001), older age, smoking, and type of water source.

Conclusion: H. pylori infection was significantly associated with anemia in dyspeptic patients. Older age, smoking, and unsafe water sources were also significantly associated with the infection.