Antoinette Rabel1, Susan F Leitman2, Jeffery L Miller1. 1. Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. 2. NIH Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The study aims to review a condition defined by the desire to consume ice in order to satisfy an addictive-like compulsion, rather than for purposes of hydration or pain relief. This condition is called ice pica, or pagophagia. Associations between ice pica and iron deficiency, suggestions for clinical screening of at risk populations, and recommendations for treatment and follow-up care are provided. DATA SOURCES: An extensive literature review of original research articles, reviews, clinical practice manuscripts, and scientific publications on pica and pagophagia. CONCLUSIONS: A compulsion or craving for the consumption of ice is often overlooked in clinical practice. It is therefore important for clinicians to include ice pica as part of the review of systems for certain patient populations. Ice pica is frequently associated with iron deficiency, and iron supplementation is an effective therapy in most cases. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Knowledge gained from screening for ice pica can generate valuable patient information and lead to the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency. The populations at risk include young women and blood donors of either sex. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The study aims to review a condition defined by the desire to consume ice in order to satisfy an addictive-like compulsion, rather than for purposes of hydration or pain relief. This condition is called ice pica, or pagophagia. Associations between ice pica and iron deficiency, suggestions for clinical screening of at risk populations, and recommendations for treatment and follow-up care are provided. DATA SOURCES: An extensive literature review of original research articles, reviews, clinical practice manuscripts, and scientific publications on pica and pagophagia. CONCLUSIONS: A compulsion or craving for the consumption of ice is often overlooked in clinical practice. It is therefore important for clinicians to include ice pica as part of the review of systems for certain patient populations. Ice pica is frequently associated with iron deficiency, and iron supplementation is an effective therapy in most cases. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Knowledge gained from screening for ice pica can generate valuable patient information and lead to the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency. The populations at risk include young women and blood donors of either sex. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Entities:
Keywords:
Pica; hemorrhage; iron deficiency; menstruation; pagophagia; pregnancy; review
Authors: Pauline L Lee; J Clayborn Barton; Peter L Khaw; Sarah Y Bhattacharjee; James C Barton Journal: Blood Cells Mol Dis Date: 2012-01-21 Impact factor: 3.039