Reversal of Iron Deficiency Anemia after Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Patients with Asymptomatic Gastritis

  1. Bruno Annibale, MD;
  2. Massimo Marignani, MD;
  3. Bruno Monarca, MD;
  4. Giorgio Antonelli, MD;
  5. Adriana Marcheggiano, MD;
  6. Gina Martino, MD;
  7. Franco Mandelli, MD;
  8. Renzo Caprilli, MD; and
  9. Gianfranco Delle Fave, MD
  1. From University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.

    Abstract

    Background: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia worldwide. Recent studies have suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency.

    Objective: To investigate the effects of eradicating H. pylori with combination antibiotic therapy on iron deficiency anemia in patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis.

    Design: Case series.

    Setting: University hospital.

    Patients: 30 patients with a long history of iron deficiency anemia in whom H. pylori-associated gastritis was the only pathologic gastrointestinal finding detected.

    Intervention: Eradication therapy with two antibiotics and discontinuation of iron replacement therapy.

    Measurements: Complete blood count, ferritin levels, and gastroscopy with biopsy to evaluate H. pylori status.

    Results: At 6 months, 75% of patients had recovered from anemia (P < 0.001), ferritin values increased from 5.7 ± 0.7 µg/L to 24.5 ± 5.2 µg/L (95% CI, 8.85 to 29.97). After 12 months, 91.7% of patients had recovered from anemia.

    Conclusions: Cure of H. pylori infection is associated with reversal of iron dependence and recovery from iron deficiency anemia.

    Article and Author Information

    • Acknowledgments: The authors thank Ms. Amelia Pasquali for skilled technical support, Prof. J. Osborne for statistical support, and Dr. Edith Lahner for English revision.

    • Grant Support: By grant no. 02/12/01/10 1992-96 from the Italian Ministry for the University (MURST).

    • Requests for Reprints: Bruno Annibale, MD, Department of Clinical Medicine, II Clinica Medica, Policlinico Universitario Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy. For reprint orders in quantities exceeding 100, please contact the Reprints Coordinator; phone, 215-351-2657; e-mail, reprints{at}mail.acponline.org.

    • Current Author Addresses: Drs. Annibale, Marignani, Antonelli, Marcheggiano, Martino, Caprilli, and Delle Fave: Department of Clinical Medicine, II Clinica Medica, Policlinico Universitario Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy.

    • Drs. Mandelli and Monarca: Department of Biotechnology and Hematology, II Clinica Medica, Policlinico Universitario Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy.

    Summary for Patients

    • Summaries for Patients:Treating Helicobacter pylori Infection May Improve Anemia Ann Intern Med November 2, 1999 131:668
    « Previous | Next Article »Table of Contents

    This Article

    1. Ann Intern Med November 2, 1999 vol. 131 no. 9 668-672
    1. » Abstract
    2. Full Text
    3. Full Text (PDF)
      1. Summary for Patients

    Rapid Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Current Issue

    1. November 3, 2009, 151 (9)
    1. Alert me to current issues