A CASE OF PICA FOLLOWING A PARAMILITARY PRE-EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION CAMP.
BACKGROUND
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
It is therefore postulated that pica may actually be a sign of iron deficiency anaemia.
S P
SP
Ogundeji
C
C
Akunwata
O
O
Aworanti
Y A
YA
Aken'Ova
D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D066249:Craving / Q000502:physiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019266:Iron, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010842:Pica / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019266:Iron, Dietary; D014131:Trace Elements