Study of recurrent abdominal pain in beta thalassemia major patients: possible relation with helicobacter pylori infection

Objective: To determine the frequency of HP seroprevalence and infection in ß-TM patients both symptomatic and asymptomatic for RAP and to compare between ß-TM patients and controls presenting with RAP. Materials and Methods: The study included 2 groups group I consists of forty ß-TM patients Aged (3 – 18) years. They were subdivided into Group Ia (symptomatic for RAP) and Group Ib (asymptomatic for RAP) each group consists of 20patients. Group II (control group) consists of 20 children complaining of recurrent abdominal pain with no chronic illness whose ages and gender were compatible. Serum samples were examined for anti-HP antibody using HpIgG ELISA test. Stool antigen test (qualitative immunochromatographic assay containing momoclonal antibodies) was applied to seropositive patients to assess the rate of associated active infection. Results: The overall prevalence of HPIgG (+ve) was equal in ß-TM and controls (45%). compared to stool results which was higher in thalassemia (37.5%) than controls (30%) but not statistically significant. Withstool antigen test, statistically significant difference regarding pain site, splenectomy and serum ferritin. Conclusion: HP seroprevalence was similar in thalassemic and controls. active infection was higher in thalassemic than controls and affected with splenectomy and high serum ferritin.