Analyzing Risk Factors and Hematological Indices Associated with Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatric Patients with Peptic Ulcers.

Objective: This study aimed to identify risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in children with peptic ulcers and to examine the associated changes in blood routine indexes. Methods: A total of 173 children diagnosed with peptic ulcers in our hospital between January 2017 and January 2022 were included in the study. All participants underwent the 13C rapid urea breath test to detect HP infection. Additionally, routine blood tests were performed to analyze the blood routine indexes. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on hygiene habits and family income, which were then correlated with HP infection. Results: The analysis revealed several significant findings. The following risk factors were identified as independent factors for HP infection in children with peptic ulcers: poor economic conditions (odds ratio [OR] = 2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-4.72), small per capita living area (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.12-3.34), the use of family-shared tableware (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.25-3.77), poor parental hygiene habits (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.19-3.63), and a family history of ulcer (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.08-3.29). HP-positive patients exhibited significant differences in blood routine indexes compared to HP-negative patients. Specifically, they had lower RBC count (mean difference = -0.82, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.19), lower Hb level (mean difference = -0.61, 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.10), lower HCT level (mean difference = -1.08, 95% CI: -1.82 to -0.35), and higher platelet count (mean difference = 36.72, 95% CI: 8.21-65.23). Conclusion: This study provides important insights into the risk factors associated with HP infection in children with peptic ulcers and highlights the changes in blood routine indexes that occur with the infection. The identified risk factors, including poor economic conditions, small living area, family-shared tableware, parental hygiene habits, and family history of ulcer, can guide preventive strategies and interventions for HP infection in children. The findings also emphasize the significance of age as a factor in HP infection rates. Moreover, the observed alterations in blood routine indexes indicate the impact of HP infection on immune function in affected children. This study contributes to the understanding of HP infection in children and offers valuable implications for clinical practice, enabling better prevention and control of HP infection in this vulnerable population. Keywords: children with peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori, blood routine test, risk factors.