Complete Blood Counts among chronic patients of Helicobacter pylori infection

Abstract

Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori infection has a suggested association with hematological alterations and common peptic ulcer disease manifestation. This study aims to investigate the influence of H. pylori infection on Complete Blood Counts (CBC). Methods: A case-controlled study was carried out in 2018 at National Health Insurance Hospital, Kosti, Sudan. Out of one hundred and thirty recruited participants, 80 had confirmed H. pylori infection categorized as the case group, while 50 healthy participants were enrolled as a control group. All subjects were screened for H. pylori infection. Complete blood count was analyzed from EDTA blood samples of the participants using an automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex KX-21, Tokyo, Japan). Peripheral Blood Picture (PBP) was examined using Romanowsky stains. Results: Our findings showed significantly lower mean values of tRBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, and neutrophils count among H. pylori infection patients than the control group. The mean values were (4.2 (±0.7) × 1012/ L vs. 4.8 (±0.3) × 1012/ L; 12.04 (±1.84) g/dl vs. 13.4 (±1.4) g/dl; 34.2 (±6.1) l/l vs. 37.2 (±4.2) l/l; 83.1 (±6.7) fl vs. 86.6 (±4.9) fl; and 49.56±12.23% vs. 53.6 ±7.8 respectively). On the other hand, the mean value of lymphocyte counts was significantly higher in H. pylori-infected patients than in the control group (41.9 ±11.1% vs. 35.7 ±7.3). No significant differences were found between H. pylori infected patients and the healthy control group regarding the counts of total white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, monocytes, and eosinophils. Morphological blood film examination showed oval-shaped teardrops, microcytic hypochromic picture, lymphocytosis, neutropenia, and adequate platelets. Conclusions: There were significant effects on some hematological parameters in patients with H. pylori infection.