Peer Review Report For: The Relationship Between H. pylori Infection and Complete Blood Count Parameters: A Cross-Sectional Study [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]

Abstract

Background and Objectives Helicobacter pylori is a known Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the stomach of about 50% of the global population. Besides causing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, discomfort, nausea, and burping, it also affects various other parts of the body, including the hematological system. Therefore, this retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate complete blood count (CBC) parameters among patients infected with H. pylori. Materials and Methods This study was conducted at the polyclinic of King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected between February and September 2024 from electronic medical records for 2015 to 2022. The 152 patients identified were split equally into two groups based on their H. pylori stool antigen test results: 76 with positive results, and 76 with negative results. Results CBC parameters did not differ significantly between groups. However, some CBC parameters differed significantly between males and females: hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell counts were significantly higher in males in both groups (both p < 0.001), whereas platelet counts, neutrophil counts, plateletcrit, and platelet–large cell coefficient were significantly lower in males (all p < 0.013). Conclusions The findings show that CBC parameters do not correlate with H. pylori infection. They also point to the need for additional studies across a broader range of clinics using different research techniques.