EVALUATION OF HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND DIAGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE IN H. PYLORI INFECTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is globally recognized for its role in various gastrointestinal diseases and extra gastric conditions, including hematological anomalies. Understanding the correlation between H. pylori infection and hematological parameters could provide insights into its broader health impacts. Objective: This study evaluated the correlation between H. pylori infection and various demographic, socioeconomic, and hematological parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled patients diagnosed with H. pylori and a matched control group without the infection. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematological parameters, including white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW). Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests where appropriate, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The study included patients with statistically significant differences in hematological parameters between the H. pylori-infected and healthy groups. Notably, the infected group showed lower mean HGB (12.41±1.38 g/dl vs. 14.32±1.46 g/dl), RBC count (4.12±0.62x10^6/µL vs. 4.87±0.53x10^6/µL), and HCT (39.17±3.87% vs. 44.52±4.51%), and higher RDW (13.51±2.10% vs. 13.87±1.32%) compared to the control group (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate significant hematological changes associated with H. pylori infection, suggesting a potential impact on the overall health status of affected individuals. These results highlight the importance of considering H. pylori infection in the differential diagnosis of hematological abnormalities and underscore the need for further research to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.