Prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection in children with Vitamin B12 Deficiency - A cross-sectional observational study

Abstract

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in children but under diagnosed disorder. Helicobacter pylori infection plays an important role in the development of atrophic gastritis and related malabsorption. There may be a relationship between H.Pylori infection and vitamin B12 deficiency.
 Aims and Objective: To find out prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection by endoscopic and histopathological findings, in children aged 2-18 years, with vitamin B12 deficiency.
 Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight patients with deficient serum vitamin B12 levels were evaluated. Upper GI Endoscopy was performed in all cases and gastric biopsies were obtained for histopathological examination and evidence of H. pylori infection.
 Results: Tissue biopsy revealed chronic atrophic gastritis in 09 patients and chronic antral gastritis in 52 patients. H. pylori infection by histology was positive in 45(57.70%) patients. We found significant correlation between atrophic gastritis and H. pylori infection, as well as between H. pylori infection and B12 deficiency.
 Conclusion: H.pylori has an effect on gastric mucosa, which affects the absorption of vitamin B12. Thus individuals with B12 deficiency should be subjected for diagnostic evaluation of H.pylori infection so that appropriate therapy can be initiated.