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 364
- Downloads 17
Weak Radial Artery Pulse An unusual congenital cause
We present an 11year-old boy with a weak right radial pulse, and describe the successful application of vascular ultrasound to identify the ulnar artery dominance and a thin right radial artery with below normal Doppler...
The Dilemma of Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Tolerance in Chronic Opioid Therapy
Plagiarism Perceptions and Attitudes Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia
Objectives: This study aimed to determine attitudes towards and perceptions of plagiarism among medical students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted between April and May 2018...
Comparative Diffculties with Non-Scientifc General Vocabulary and Scientifc/Medical Terminology in English as a Second Language (ESL) Medical Students
Objectives: Medical education requires student comprehension of both technical (scientifc/ medical) and non-technical (general) vocabulary. Our experience with “English as a second language†(ESL) Arab students sug...
Of Animalcula, Phthisis and Scrofula Historical insights into tuberculosis in the pre-Koch era