A controlled, household-randomized, open-label trial of the effect that treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection has on iron deficiency in children in rural Alaska.
Section of Epidemiology, Alaska Division of Public Health, National Center for Infectious Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, 99524, USA. Brad_Gessner@health.state.ak.us
BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency are prevalent in disadvantaged populations worldwide. Previous small or uncontrolled studies have reported that successful treatment of H. pylori infection may resolve iron deficiency or anemia. METHODS: We screened 68% of children 7-11 years old living in 10 western Alaska villages. The 219 children with iron deficiency (serum ferritin level,