Reversal of long-standing iron deficiency anaemia after eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection

Scand J Gastroenterol. 1997 Jun;32(6):617-22. doi: 10.3109/00365529709025109.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori has been proposed as a major determinant in multiple gastric disorders. We describe the case of a young adult with a long-standing medical history of sideropenic anaemia and of oral iron consumption dependence with a chronic superficial H. pylori-positive gastritis. All other causes of sideropenic anaemia were carefully excluded. Histology showed a peculiar pattern of non-active H. pylori-positive gastritis. The bacterium was a non-VacA-producing strain. The first attempt at eradication caused a reduction in bacterial load and led to a partial normalization of haematologic variables without improving the ferritin level. A successful second course of eradication therapy completely reversed the anaemia and restored the iron deposit, which persisted at the 29-month follow-up. H. pylori infection can be involved in unexplained cases of iron deficiency anaemia in adults, and its cure can normalize the haematologic picture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / etiology*
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / prevention & control
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bismuth / therapeutic use
  • Clarithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Gastritis / microbiology*
  • Helicobacter Infections / complications*
  • Helicobacter Infections / drug therapy*
  • Helicobacter pylori*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metronidazole / therapeutic use
  • Omeprazole / therapeutic use
  • Organometallic Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Salicylates / therapeutic use
  • Tetracycline / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Salicylates
  • Metronidazole
  • bismuth subsalicylate
  • Tetracycline
  • Clarithromycin
  • Omeprazole
  • Bismuth