Re: Pica

Posted By hfhs.md.rcs on May 01, 1998 at 14:18:43:

In Reply to: Pica posted by siger on May 01, 1998 at 00:36:00:






I am finding very little on pica other than a dictionary definition.
I am working with an educated  black female 35 y.o. mother who consumes 3-4 boxes of corn starch per week.  She has been doing this for several years both during her pregnancy and postpartum.  Needless to say her labs are out of wack.  Looking for any advice and redirection.  She is receptive to articles and written professional advice but is resistant to being seen as a patient.
Dear Siger:
Pica is more common in African American women. Pregnancy is a common association with pica and anemia is the associated medical effect. Children and mentally retarded persons have also been linked to pica.  A Medline search (publications in the medical literature) yielded several titles in the psychiatry literature that focused on behavioral modification as treatment.
Articles that review pica include: Horner RD, Pica Practices of Pregnant Women. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:34-38 (literature review, 1950-1990); Anderson JE, Surgical complications of pica: case report of intestinal obstruction and literature review. Am Surg 1991;10:663-67; Lacey EP, Broadening the perspective of pica: a literature review. Pub Health Rep 90;105:29-35. The bibliography of a review article is an excellent starting point to find literature you may find helpful. There may also be reference to support groups.
This mateial is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered a formal medical evaluation. If you have specific questions, please contact your primary physician.
Keywords: pica