A strange type of Pica
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2003, Vol 5, Issue 1
Abstract
Pica, where the patient eats non-food items such as mud, clay, varnish etc., is a common behavioural problem seen in children, pregnant women and the mentally retarded. However sponge pica is a very rare variation. We report a case of a 5-year-old Omani girl, who presented with sponge pica since the age of two years, with recent abdominal pain. Investigations showed anaemia, elevated liver enzymes and normal intelligence. There was no evidence of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Both clinical and laboratory findings showed complete recovery after a few weeks of oral iron therapy. Her appetite improved, and she started to gain weight. No recurrence was observed when followed up after two years. Awareness is necessary to detect and treat pica as early as possible to prevent its complications.
Authors and Affiliations
Marwan M. Al-Sharbati| Department of Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P O Box 35, Ziad A. J. Zaidan| Department of Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P O Box 35, Ala’Adin Al-Hussaini1| Department of Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P O Box 35, Khalid Al-Khalili| Department of Behavioural Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, P O Box 38, Al Khod 123, Sultanate of Oman
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP13673
- DOI -
- Views 365
- Downloads 17
Intra-Operative Neural Response Telemetry and Acoustic Reflex Assessment using an Advance-In-Stylet Technique and Modiolus-Hugging A prospective cohort study
Objectives: Te development of cochlear implant (CI) electrode arrays has focused on the use of a minimally invasive technique involving a modiolus-hugging placement of the electrode. Te aim of this study was to evaluat...
Tobacco Smoking and Lung Cancer Perception-changing facts
Tobacco smoking remains the most established cause of lung carcinogenesis and other disease processes. Over the last 50 years, tobacco refnement and the introduction of flters have brought a change in histology, and no...
Evaluation of Mitotic Figures and Cellular and Nuclear Morphometry of Various Histopathological Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Comparative study using crystal violet and Feulgen stains
Objectives: Te objectives of this study were to quantitatively estimate the number of mitotic fgures (MFs) and evaluate the cellular and nuclear features of various histological grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (O...
Hearing Improvement after Partial Labyrinthectomy Resection of petrous apex cholesterol granuloma
We present the case of a 57 year-old male presenting with symptomatic petrous apex cholesterol granuloma, multiple cranial nerve weaknesses and deafness of the left ear. Te chosen intervention was a cholesterol granulo...
Exaggerated blood pressure reactivity in the offspring of first-cousin hypertensive parents
Objective: To study blood pressure and blood pressure reactivity in young offspring of normotensive or hypertensive parents who are consanguineous (frst cousins) or are not blood-related. Method: Blood pressure, heart r...