Abstract

Background and Aims:In an elderly patient population, we aimed to define the contribution of upper gastrointestinal system pathology (malignancies, high-risk precancerous lesions, Helicobacter pylori) to iron deficiency anemia. Materials and Methods:A retrospective cohort study was designed to define the contribution of upper gastrointestinal system pathology to iron deficiency anemia. Electronic hospital records formed of standard medical terminology constituted the basis of data extraction. Based on the exclusion criteria, only patients with possible upper gastrointestinal system pathology were evaluated. Results:In 39 patients, H. pylori-related pathology was found, whereas 41 patients had presented with a high-risk lesion of the stomach. Three patients were found to have gastric cancer and 1 patient had been diagnosed with Celiac disease. Age and ferritin levels were lower in patients with H. pylori positivity. Conclusions:In this elderly patient population, the contribution of upper gastrointestinal system pathology (high-risk lesions, overt malignancy, H. pylori association) to iron deficiency anemia is important, and H. pylori is a treatable cause of iron deficiency anemia.

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