Pica and refractory iron deficiency anaemia: a case report
2008
Pica and Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Case Report
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Christophe von Garnier, Holger Stünitz, Michael Decker, Edouard Battegay, Andreas Zeller
Primary Institution: University Hospital Basel
Hypothesis
Can pica cause refractory iron deficiency anaemia?
Conclusion
Clinicians should consider pica in cases of prolonged unexplained iron deficiency anaemia to avoid unnecessary investigations.
Supporting Evidence
- Patient had a 12-year history of iron deficiency anaemia.
- Geophysical analysis confirmed the ingested material was kaolin.
- Intravenous iron therapy corrected the anaemia within one month.
Takeaway
A woman ate clay for years, which made her very sick with low iron. Once she stopped eating it, her health got better.
Methodology
Case report detailing clinical presentation, laboratory investigations, and geophysical analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported eating habits.
Limitations
Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
34-year-old African woman living in Europe.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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