Association Between Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Platelet Indices Among the Pediatric Population in Aswan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of pediatrics, faculty of medicine, Aswan University

2 pediatric department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Clinical studies in adults from developed countries have implicated Helicobacter pylori infections in thrombocytopenia. However, research in children, particularly in underdeveloped countries, remains scarce.
Objectives: To investigate the association between H. pylori infection and platelet indices in pediatric patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 195 children with dyspepsia recruited from the gastroenterology pediatric department of Aswan University Hospital.
Results: Children with H. pylori infection had significantly lower hemoglobin levels (11.015 ± 1.109 g/dL vs. 11.553 ± 1.00 g/dL, p=0.015), reduced platelet counts (p=0.004), and higher prevalence of low MCV (64.6% vs. 25.5%, p<0.001), low MCH (20.8% vs. 2.13%, p=0.004), leucopenia (27.1% vs. 8.5%, p=0.018), and low MPV (22.9% vs. 4.3%, p=0.014) compared to H. pylori-negative children.
Conclusion: H. pylori infection is associated with hematological alterations, including lower hemoglobin levels, reduced platelet indices, and altered red cell indices, suggesting its potential role in anemia and nutritional deficiencies.
Key words: H. Pylori, platelets, children

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