Association Between Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Platelet Indices Among the Pediatric Population in Aswan

Background: Clinical studies in adults from developed countries have implicated Helicobacter pylori infections in thrombocytopenia. However, research in children, particularly in underdeveloped countries, remains scarce.Objectives: To investigate the association between H. pylori infection and platelet indices in pediatric patients.Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 195 children with dyspepsia recruited from the gastroenterology pediatric department of Aswan University Hospital.Results: Children with H. pylori infection had significantly lower hemoglobin levels (11.015 ± 1.109 g/dL vs. 11.553 ± 1.00 g/dL, p=0.015), reduced platelet counts (p=0.004), and higher prevalence of low MCV (64.6% vs. 25.5%, p<0.001), low MCH (20.8% vs. 2.13%, p=0.004), leucopenia (27.1% vs. 8.5%, p=0.018), and low MPV (22.9% vs. 4.3%, p=0.014) compared to H. pylori-negative children.Conclusion: H. pylori infection is associated with hematological alterations, including lower hemoglobin levels, reduced platelet indices, and altered red cell indices, suggesting its potential role in anemia and nutritional deficiencies.Key words: H. Pylori, platelets, children