Hematological indices in children with Helicobacter pylori infection: a retrospective analysis
Gulhane Medical Journal, cilt.68, sa.2, ss.109-117, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 68 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.4274/gulhane.galenos.2026.42223
- Dergi Adı: Gulhane Medical Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, EMBASE, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.109-117
- Anahtar Kelimeler: children, Helicobacter pylori, hematological indices, MPVLR, PLR
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Aims: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a frequent chronic condition in childhood, and determining whether it provokes a systemic inflammatory imprint is clinically relevant. This study aimed to evaluate whether pediatric H. pylori infection was associated with alterations in complete blood count (CBC)-derived inflammatory indices, particularly the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR). Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included children aged 6-18 years who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for dyspeptic symptoms and had histopathological confirmation of H. pylori infection. Pre-procedural CBC and serum albumin levels were recorded, and CBC-derived inflammatory indices (such as the PLR and the MPVLR) were calculated. The primary endpoint was the association between H. pylori positivity and these inflammatory indices. Results: A total of 453 children were included, of whom 171 were H. pylori positive and 282 were H. pylori negative [median age 13.4 years (interquartile range 10.8-15.7); predominantly female (65.6%)]. Children with H. pylori infection had significantly higher PLR (127.45 vs. 113.50; p<0.001) and MPVLR (4.45 vs. 4.02; p<0.001) values compared with controls. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts were lower in the positive group (p<0.01 for all), while no meaningful differences were observed in other composite indices. Conclusions: Pediatric H. pylori infection is associated with a measurable, low-grade systemic inflammatory response, as reflected by elevated PLR and MPVLR values.