Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and serum ferritin level in primary school children in Tehran-Iran

Iron deficiency can cause cognitive and functional learning disorders in children. Some studies have reported a relationship between low serum ferritin levels in patients with anemia and Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection. Therefore, we aimed to determine the relationship between these two common diseases. This descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was performed to assess serum ferritin levels and H. pylori antibody titers [IgG] among 6-12 year old healthy primary school children in Tehran during the academic year 2005-2006. Specimen collection was done by cluster and randomization methods [multistage sampling]. Personal information and laboratory results were compiled in questionnaires and data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics via SPSS software. 165 primary school children [43% boys, 57% girls] with mean age 9.2 +/- 1.5 years were enrolled in the study. H. pylori IgG antibody titer was positive in 26% of cases with mean values of 0.79 +/- 0.42 units in boys and 0.75 +/- 0.39 units in girls, which showed a significant statistical difference [P=0.004]. H. pylori infection was more common among children of large families or those with low economic status [P=0.002]. 29% of children had low serum ferritin levels. Out of the children with low serum ferritin levels, 71% and 28% had negative and positive anti H. pylori antibody titers [IgG levels], respectively. Also, 296 children [25%] with normal ferritin levels had H. pylori infection. We did not find a significant relationship between H. pylori infection and low serum ferritin levels or iron deficiency anemia