Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in iron deficiency anaemia of pregnancy – A pilot study.

Background & objectives: Despite routine iron supplementation and promotion of diet modification, iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) remains widely prevalent in our antenatal population. Recent studies in pediatric population have highlighted the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in IDA. This study was undertaken to study the effect of eradication therapy in H. pylori infected pregnant women with IDA. Methods: Randomized placebo-controlled double blind clinical trial was done on 40 antenatal women between 14-30 wk gestation, with mild to moderate IDA and having H. pylori infection, as detected by stool antigen test. These women were randomly divided into group I (n=20): H. pylori treatment group (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, omeprazole for 2 wk) and group II (n=20): placebo group. Both groups received therapeutic doses of iron and folic acid. Outcome measures were improvement in haematological parameters and serum iron profile after 6 wk of oral iron therapy. Results: The prevalence of iron deficiency in pregnant women with mild to moderate anaemia was 39.8 per cent (95% CI 35.7, 44.3); and 62.5 per cent (95% CI 52, 73) of these pregnant women with IDA were infected with H. pylori. After 6 wk of therapeutic oral iron and folic acid supplementation, the rise in haemoglobin, packed cell volume, serum iron and percentage transferrin saturation was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the group given H. pylori eradication therapy as compared to the placebo group. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results showed a high occurrence of H. pylori infection in pregnant women with IDA. Eradication therapy resulted in significantly better response to oral iron supplementation among H. pylori infected pregnant women with IDA.

Validation of ESR analyzer using Westergren ESR method.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is one of the most frequently ordered laboratory test. ESR analyzers were developed to provide a quick and efficient measure of ESR. We compared the results of ESR obtained by an ESR analyzer with those by the Westergren method in a group of 75 patients Linear regression analysis showed a good correlation between the two results (r = 0.818, p < 0.01). The intra class correlation was 0.82. The analyzer method had the advantages of safety, decreased technician time and improved patient care by providing quick results.

Impact of iron deficiency anaemia on T lymphocytes & their subsets in children.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: While there is evidence of an altered immune profile in iron deficiency, the precise immunoregulatory role of iron is not known. Information particular in children who are vulnerable to iron deficiency and infection, is lacking. We undertook this study with the aim of documenting the changes in T cell subsets in children in the age group of 1 to 5 yr with iron deficiency. METHODS: The levels of T lymphocytes, their CD4+ and CD8+ subsets and the CD4 : CD8 ratio were evaluated in 40 iron deficient and 30 healthy children. The impact of oral iron supplementation for three months on the same parameters was also noted in 30 children. RESULTS: Significantly lower levels of T lymphocytes as well as CD4+ cells was observed in the iron deficient children (P<0.01 and 0.002 respectively). The CD4 : CD8 ratio was also significantly lower in this group (P<0.05). Iron supplementation improved the CD4 counts significantly. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated quantitatively altered T cell subsets in iron deficiency in children, and a relationship between the severity of haematological and immunological compromise. The clinical and epidemiological implications of this relationship have topical relevance since ID is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide.

Validity of hematologic parameters in identification of early and late onset neonatal infection.

This study was designed to evaluate the utility of hematological parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) to formulate a sepsis screen to detect sepsis in early and late onset infection. Hundred and fifty neonates clinically suspected of bacterial infection, based on risk factors and/or clinical features were selected for the study. Blood was collected by venipuncture at the time of admission in all neonates. A total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count (DLC), its derivatives [Total neutrophil count (TNC or T), ratio of immature to total neutrophil count (I/T), ratio of immature to mature neutrophil count (I/M)] and CRP were obtained. TLC = 10x10(9)/L, TNC = 8x10(9)/L, I/T = 0.16, I/M = 0.25 and CRP = 0.6 mg/dl were found to be good parameters in detection of sepsis. During the first three days of life leukopenia, neutropenia, elevated I/T ratio, elevated I/M ratio and CRP were good diagnostic aids while after 3 days of life CRP was the best single test. This emphasizes use of multiple indicators for detection of sepsis. Using these parameters a sepsis screen was formulated which detected >90% of proven early and late onset sepsis suggesting that other neonates with positive sepsis screen but blood culture negativity may have been truly infected.