pica and Deglutition-Disorders

This is a case report of an otherwise healthy 2-year-old boy with a history of pica, associated with iron deficiency anemia. This boy was referred to our department for a neurologic evaluation because of an acute episode of sialorrhea, difficulty in speaking, dysphagia, and repeated swallowing movements. An uncertain episode of a brief-duration still gaze was also reported. In addition, the history revealed that the child had earlier ingested a leaf from a poisonous houseplant called Colocasia esculenta, also known as "elephant's ear." The habit of pica subsided after treatment with iron supplements. A 9-month follow-up period was uneventful. Neurologic manifestations can accompany accidental intoxications of some non-nutrient substances. Thus, pica must be suspected in children with acute behavior alterations.

Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Aphasia; Child, Preschool; Colocasia; Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Iron; Male; Pica; Plant Poisoning; Sialorrhea

Topics: Aged; Anemia, Hypochromic; Animals; Bloodletting; Child; Deglutition Disorders; Exercise Test; Female; Heart; Hematocrit; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neuromuscular Diseases; Pica; Platelet Count; Polycythemia Vera; Pruritus; Rats

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Deglutition Disorders; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pica; Seeds; Vegetables