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
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