Pica in a child with iron deficiency anemia

Abstract

Introduction: A patient with iron deficiency anemia was diagnosed with pica based on her history of eating soil and stone, her pale demeanor, and other laboratory findings. After four months of treatment, her habit of eating soil and stone decreased. There was an association found between pica and iron deficiency anemia, though the details remain unclear. Objectives: This is a case report of pica in a child with iron deficiency anemia. Case: A three-year-and-five-month-old girl was brought in with a history of eating soil and stone dating back to one year ago. Her anthropometry was as follows: weight of 17 kg, height of 99.8 cm, and head circumference of 51 cm. The patient received a daily iron supplementation dose of 20 mg. After treatment, her condition improved as her soil eating habits decreased, her hemoglobin level was 9.1 g/dl, and her hematocrit was at 35%. Conclusion: Further follow-ups and comprehensive management are needed, including nutritional education, iron therapy, and behavior treatment from her parents until her hemoglobin levels return to normal and she stops eating soil and stone