RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANEMIA, CRP  AND HELICOBACTER PYLORI IN ELDERLY MALE POPULATION

Background: Anemia is a prevalent medical condition in elderly populations, contributing significantly to morbidity and healthcare burden globally. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and systemic inflammation, indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), are potential contributors to anemia. Understanding the relationship between anemia, H. pylori, and CRP in elderly males can enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings where these conditions are highly prevalent. Objective: To determine the association between anemia, CRP levels, and H. pylori infection in elderly males. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over six months from January 1 to June 30, 2023, at a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi. A total of 300 male participants aged above 65 years were recruited. After informed consent, 2cc venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for hemoglobin levels, red blood cell indices, and CRP-Q levels using Sysmex XP-100 and Beckman Coulter automated analyzers. Stool samples were tested for H. pylori antigen using the H. PYLORI QUIK CHEK enzymatic immunoassay. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: Out of 300 participants, 270 (90%) were anemic, with 90 (33.3%) classified as mild anemia, 145 (53.7%) as moderate, and 35 (12.9%) as severe anemia. Microcytic anemia was the most common subtype (60.7%), with 158 (96.3%) of the 164 microcytic anemia cases testing positive for H. pylori. CRP-Q was elevated in 237 (87.7%) individuals, with a strong correlation observed between elevated CRP levels, H. pylori positivity, and microcytic anemia. H. pylori stool antigen was positive in 242 (89%) participants, particularly among those with anemia. Conclusion: This study highlights a strong association between anemia, H. pylori infection, and CRP levels in elderly males, emphasizing the importance of addressing H. pylori infection as part of anemia management in this population.