Pica and refractory iron deficiency anaemia: a case report

• Main Authors: von Garnier Christophe, Stünitz Holger, Decker Michael, Battegay Edouard, Zeller Andreas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2008-10-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/2/1/324

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia worldwide. Pica, the ingestion of substances that are inappropriate for consumption, is associated with iron deficiency and may be under-diagnosed.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 34-year-old woman presented with iron deficiency anaemia refractory to treatment for more than a decade. The clinical presentation, endoscopic findings and laboratory investigations were consistent with pica. Subsequent geophysical analysis confirmed that the ingested material was kaolin, a negatively charged silicate.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Prolonged unexplained iron deficiency anaemia should prompt clinicians to remember and inquire about pica. In our patient, this would have averted numerous unnecessary investigations and prevented a decade-long suffering.</p>