Differences in Mentzer Index Values in Children with Helicobacter Pylori and Non-Helicobacter Pylori Infections

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is a common cause of chronic gastritis in children and has been associated with several haematological abnormalities, particularly iron deficiency anaemia. The Mentzer Index is a simple haematological parameter that may reflect disturbances in iron metabolism; however, its relationship with H. pylori infection in children remains unclear. To compare Mentzer Index values between children with and without Helicobacter pylori infection and to evaluate associated haematological characteristics.  A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 44 children aged 2–18 years who underwent diagnostic testing for H. pylori. Demographic data and haematological parameters, including haemoglobin, erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, platelet count, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and Mentzer Index, were collected from medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square and comparative tests, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, sex, nutritional status, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte indices, platelet count, white blood cell count, or Mentzer Index (all p > 0.05). Most participants in both groups had a Mentzer Index ≥13, suggesting a haematological pattern compatible with iron deficiency anaemia. However, children with H. pylori infection demonstrated significantly higher ESR values compared with non-infected children (37.23 ± 6.20 vs. 27.32 ± 13.92 mm/hour; p = 0.005), indicating increased inflammatory activity. Helicobacter pylori infection in children was associated with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate but not with significant differences in Mentzer Index or other routine haematological parameters.