A Case of Pica following a Paramilitary Pre-Employment Orientation Camp
Ogundeji, S.P.; Akunwata, C.; Aworanti, O.; Aken'Ova, Y.A.
Nigerian Journal of Medicine Journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria 24(2): 183-185
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1115-2613 PMID: 26353432 Document Number: 679513
Pica is an unusual craving for and ingestion of either edible or inedible substances first observed in pregnant women but has been reported in all groups of people. Pica poses a significant health risk that often requires medical attention but the awareness of pica among physicians seems to be have reduced. We report a case study of a young lady who presented with anaemia (pcv = 21%) and craving for sand. Laboratory investigations carried outwere in keepingwith iron deficiency anaemia. It is therefore postulated that pica may actually be a sign of iron deficiency anaemia.