Introduction: Anemia causes about 10-15% of maternal deaths worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection is one of the causes of Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between H.pylori infection and serum ferritin levels (a marker of IDA) in Pregnant Women.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 154 pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy in Ahvaz, Iran, 2009. Participants were divided into two groups: positive and negative serology for H.pylori. Laboratory tests for hemoglobin, serum ferritin and H.pylori infection using ELISA method for the detection of IgG and antibody titration were done. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Result: Hemoglobin concentration and serum ferritin levels during third trimester of pregnancy in positive serology group was significantly lower than negative serology group (p<0.001). Age of infected group was also significantly higher than uninfected group (p<0.001). Number of parity (p>0.05), nausea and vomiting (p=0.74)and constipation during pregnancy (p=0.72) did not have significant difference in two groups.
Conclusion: There was a significant association between low serum ferritin and prevalence of H.pylori positive serology (IgG), and H.pylori may be a factor contributing to IDA in pregnant women.