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Pica

Its frequency and significance in patients with iron-deficiency anemia due to chronic gastrointestinal blood loss

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Abstract

Purpose:Pica, particularly ice-eating (pagophagia), is a recognized symptom of iron deficiency. The value of pica as a clue to the etiology of blood loss has never been studied.

Patient population:Fifty-five unselected patients with iron-deficiency anemia due to gastrointestinal blood loss evaluated by a gastroenterology referral service at a city hospital.

Results:The patients’ mean hematocrit was 26±15% (SD). Thirty two (58%) had pica, and in 28 (88%) it manifested as pagophagia. Pica was present significantly more often in women (19/32, 68%) than in men (9/23, 39%, p<0.05). Pica occurred less frequently in patients with malignancy (2/9 vs. 30/46), but this difference was not significant.

Conclusion:Pica, a frequent symptom in patients with iron-deficiency anemia due to gastrointestinal blood loss, particularly women, is not of value in predicting the cause of bleeding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Denver General Hospital, 777 Bannock Street, 80204-4507, Denver, CO

    William G. Rector Jr. MD

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  1. William G. Rector Jr. MD
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Additional information

Received from the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Denver General Hospital, Denver, Colorado.

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Rector, W.G. Pica. J Gen Intern Med 4, 512–513 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02599550

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02599550

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