Dysfunctional eating patterns and symptoms of pica in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease.

The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and relationship of pica symptoms and dysfunctional eating patterns in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). Children and caregivers (n = 146) completed questionnaires assessing eating difficulties and symptoms of pica. Information also was collected from medical records and analyzed for relationships with dysfunctional eating patterns. Incidence of problems and their association with disease parameters of SCD were examined. Dysfunctional eating patterns were found in those with no symptoms of pica and those with severe symptoms of pica. Caregiver-reported dysfunctional eating patterns were associated with caregiver- and child-reported frequency of painful episodes.