Prevalence and Possible Predictors of Helicobacter Pylori Infection Among Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital North-West, Nigeria.

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 was 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.