Prevalence and possible predictors of helicobacter pylori infection among adult patients with sickle cell disease in Ahmadu Bello university teaching hospital North-West, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) infection occurs worldwide. Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
may present with abdominal symptoms due to different pathophysiological mechanisms. SCD patients are
predisposed to infections due to immune deficiency, abdominal symptoms like dyspepsia and recurrent abdominal
pain have been associated with H. pylori infection. This study determined H. pylori prevalence in adult SCA
patients and its relationship with socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters.
Methodology: Adult patients with SCA in Steady State were enrolled after informed consent. Sociodemographic,
clinical, and laboratory parameters were documented using a structured questionnaire. H. pylori IgG antibody was
detected using lateral flow Rapid Diagnostic Test (FaStep USA). Data were analyzed using EpiInfo 7.2.
Results: The median age of participants was 23(20, 26) years. Most of the participants (56.8%) were from lower
socioeconomic classes. Sickle cell painful vaso-occlusive crises and blood transfusion in the previous 12 months
were 2(1, 4) and 0(0, 1) respectively. Ninety (53.3%) of the participants had abdominal symptoms. Non-specific
abdominal pain was the most common. The median frequency of abdominal pains was 1(0, 2). H pylori infection
was found in 23.1%. The Odds for H. Pylori infection were high in participants with abdominal symptoms, antacid
use, and multiple abdominal symptoms {OR=1.552, 1.306, and 2.584 respectively) though not statistically
significant. At the same time, those with recurrent abdominal pain and male sex had lower Odds (OR=0.875 and
0.831respectively), though not statistically significant.
Conclusion: H. pylori infection is not uncommon among SCA patients. Physicians should be vigilant in SCD
patients with multiple abdominal symptoms by screening early and instituting management.