HELICOBACTER PYLORI COMO FACTOR DE RIESGO DE ANEMIA FERROPÉNICA EN PACIENTES DE 2 A 10 AÑOS DEL HOSPITAL IESS CEIBOS

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is estimated to affects approximately half of the global population. Various studies have highlighted the role of Helicobacter pylori in the etiology of iron deficiency anemia, attributable to factors such as competition for iron and alterations in its absorption. Research suggests a significant link between the infection and reduced levels of hemoglobin and ferritin, especially pronounced in children from areas with a high prevalence of the bacterium. The present study examined the correlation between the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in children. It sought to identify the implicated risk factors and analyze the effectiveness of pathogen eradication in improving hematologic indices. This quantitative research adopted a non-experimental, longitudinal observational design. It focused on the analysis of children aged 2 to 10 years, attended at Hospital IESS Los Ceibos during the period 2018 - 2022. Among the findings, it was identified that the sample was predominantly female, with 153 patients (51%) presenting anemia in 14.3% of the overall sample. The detection method for Helicobacter pylori was stool antigen testing in 100% of the population. Clinical manifestations such as dyspepsia with epigastralgia were the most prevalent, occurring in 82.33% and 95% of cases, respectively. A significant association between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia in children was confirmed; however, it was very low, indicating the need for studies for studies with larger populations.