A child with Pica. A case presentation

Abstract

Description/clinical case

A. is a 10-year-old girl of Moroccan origin appearing in pediatric specialist of A.P repeatedly by unspecific stomachache, nausea and vomiting. After several visits to the same reason for consulting an exploratory interview alone with the patient in that regard that “sometimes when calms nervous scratching the walls and eating them” is performed. The mother says intrafamily difficulties. Information reported by the patient's mother confirms next visit also providing pictures on the wall of your room is returned. Referral to child and adolescent mental health is decided.

Exploration/complementary tests

There is no single test for pica. It is carried out systematic blood, biochemical (iron, zinc, lead…) to assess toxic substances and nutritional levels. Abdominal Rx. Both normal.

Diagnosis

Pica (F98.3).

Differential diagnosis

Ingestion of nutrients can occur in the course of other mental disorders (for example, a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia), mental retardation, in the Kleine–Levin syndrome… In these cases, should only be established an additional diagnosis of pica if the feeding behavior is sufficiently severe to warrant independent clinical attention.

Conclusions

Pica disorder has been studied by pediatricians, gynecologists, dermatologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, nutritionists, anthropologists, etc., which has been interpreted as a conduct disorder, food, mental illness, poverty, hunger… but really the cause it is unknown. Although morbidity and mortality is unknown and difficult to study, include poisonings, parasitosis and surgical abdomen as serious complications. Finally, like all other eating disorders, the overall management of this entity requires the coordinated intervention of various professionals.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.