H. pylori-associated Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Lots of cases relating Helicobacter pylon infection to iron-deficiency anemia have been described in the literature and H. pylori infection has emerged as a cause of refractory iron-deficiency anemia which is unresponsive to oral iron therapy. H. pylon-associated iron-deficiency anemia can be treated by H. pylori eradication. It is not thought to be attributable to gastrointestinal blood loss, such as duodenal ulcer. The mechanism by which H. pylori infection contributes to iron-deficiency anemia remains unclear. However, four possible explanations can be posited for this relationship; occult blood loss secondary to chronic gastritis, reduced iron absorption due to hypo- or achlorhydria, increased iron consumption by H. pylori, and iron sequestration in gastric mucosa. H. pylori associated iron-deficiency anemia seems to develop in populations at increased risk for iron depletion. When pubescent girls, including athletes, are found to have iron-deficiency anemia refractory to iron administration, they should be evaluated for H. pylori infection.