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25 years
After 3 months of treatment for H. Pylori, Ferritin & Iron levels decreased from 16 to 9. What is the possible cause & treatment for this deficiency?
Aug 10, 2015

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
This adverse effect is probably related to the treatment itself, as triple therapy for H.pylori includes a medication known as proton pump inhibitor or PPI, which aims at reducing the amount of acid secretion in the stomach. Unfortunately, a lower stomach acid adversely affects the absorption of iron from the stomach (iron is better absorbed in an acidic medium). This side effect is even more pronounced in females in the reproductive age (as is your case) because of loss of blood through menstruation. There is also the possibility of a stomach ulcer that is oozing blood (if you do have a documented stomach ulcer on endoscopic evaluation).
You should do a complete blood count (CBC) to make sure you did not develop anemia due to low iron (iron deficiency anemia. You also may be in need of oral iron supplements and an iron-rich diet.

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