Comparison of Hematologic Parameters, Serum Electrolytes, and Lipid Profiles among Dyspeptic Patients with and without Helicobacter pylori Infection Attending Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, South West Ethiopia, 2023

Abstract

Background: H.pylori infects approximately half of the world’s population and has been associated with numerous diseases. H.pylori infection creates atherogenic lipid profiles, which could promote atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases. Also, it has been implicated in some hematological manifestations, such as anemia and micronutrient deficiency. Despite the high prevalence of H.pylori infection and its associated complications, including cardiovascular diseases and anemia, there is little data regarding the risk factors associated with H.pylori infection. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare hematologic parameters, serum electrolytes, and lipid profiles among dyspeptic patients with and without H.pylori infection attending Jimma medical center, Jimma, South West Ethiopia, 2023 Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study design with consecutive sampling technique from December 5; 2022 - February 8; 2023. To do so, 54 H.pylori-positive and 54 H.pylori negative dyspeptic patients were recruited at Jimma medical center. Five (5) ml of blood sample was collected from each participant and serum was extracted for the lipid and electrolyte analysis and whole blood was used for hematological parameters determination. Data was entered to Epi data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Student t-test was used for data comparison and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: H.pylori infected patients had significantly decreased levels of RBC count (p = 0.002), Hgb (p = 0.012), MCHC (p < 0.001), platelet count (p = 0.001), and sodium level (p = 0.006) compared to the uninfected group. However, total cholesterol (p = 0.001), and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.021) were increased in H.pylori infected patients compared to the uninfected group. Conclusions and Recommendation: Our study suggests that H.pylori infection can cause derangements of hematologic parameters, electrolyte imbalances, and modifications of lipid parameters that are considered risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and anemia. Therefore, health professionals are recommended for proper management of H.pylori-infected patients and investigation of hematological parameters, serum electrolytes, and serum lipid profiles to prevent their derangement-related complications.