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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 21, 2014; 20(3): 654-664
Published online Jan 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i3.654
Published online Jan 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i3.654
Helicobacter pylori and pregnancy-related disorders
Simona Cardaropoli, Alessandro Rolfo, Tullia Todros, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Author contributions: All the Authors contributed to literature review and wrote the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Simona Cardaropoli, MSc, PhD, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, via Ventimiglia 3, 10126 Turin, Italy. simona.cardaropoli@unito.it
Telephone: +39-11-3134433 Fax: +39-11-3134450
Received: October 14, 2013
Revised: November 18, 2013
Accepted: January 2, 2014
Published online: January 21, 2014
Revised: November 18, 2013
Accepted: January 2, 2014
Published online: January 21, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip:Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in pregnancy is not only associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as hyperemesis gravidarum, but also with iron deficiency anemia, fetal malformations, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. These pregnancy related-disorders are potentially life-threatening for both mother and fetus/neonate. Another important issue that has been addressed in literature was the question of whether it is possible to transmit H. pylori infection from mother to child and whether maternal anti-H. pylori antibodies could prevent infant’s infection. Indeed, if H. pylori is actually a causal factor, the public health implications would be important since the infection is treatable.