Randomized placebo-controlled trial of Helicobacter pylori eradication for iron-deficiency anemia in preadolescent children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND

A few cases relating H. pylori infection to iron-deficiency anemia have been described recently. We investigated the role of H. pylori infection in iron-deficiency anemia in preadolescent children and adolescents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled therapeutic trial in 43 subjects (mean age, 15.4 years) with iron-deficiency anemia. Endoscopy was performed, and biopsy specimens were examined by urease test and histological analysis. Twenty-two of 25 H. pylori-positive patients were assigned randomly to three groups. Group A patients were given oral ferrous sulfate and a 2-week course of bismuth subcitrate, amoxicillin, and metronidazole. Group B patients were given placebo for iron and a 2-week course of triple therapy. Group C patients were given oral ferrous sulfate and a 2-week course of placebo. Iron status was reassessed 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the 2-week regimen ended.

RESULTS

Of the 43 subjects with iron-deficiency anemia, 25 (58.1%) had H. pylori in the antrum. Group A and B subjects, who received eradication therapy, showed a significant increase in hemoglobin level as compared with group C subjects at 8 weeks after therapy (p = .0086).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of H. pylori infection was associated with more rapid response to oral iron therapy as compared with the use of iron therapy alone. Such treatment also led to enhanced iron absorption even in those subjects who did not receive oral iron therapy.