Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in iron deficiency anaemia of
pregnancy - a pilot study.
Author(s): Malik R, Guleria K, Kaur I, Sikka M, Radhakrishnan G.
Affiliation(s): Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University College of Medical Sciences &
Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India.
Publication date & source: 2011, Indian J Med Res. , 134:224-31
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.
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