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Baking powder pica mimicking preeclampsia
J R Barton1, C A Riely, B M Sibai
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 1, 1992
Summary
This case study highlights baking powder pica in pregnancy, linked to high blood pressure, low potassium, and abnormal liver tests. Resolving these issues normalized maternal health.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
Background:
- Pica, the persistent ingestion of non-food substances, can manifest during pregnancy.
- Baking powder consumption is an uncommon form of pica with potentially serious health implications.
Observation:
- A pregnant patient presented with symptoms of hypertension, hypokalemia (low potassium), and elevated liver function tests.
- The patient admitted to consuming baking powder regularly.
Findings:
- The patient's hypertension and elevated liver function tests resolved after discontinuing baking powder intake.
- Correction of hypokalemia and normalization of liver enzymes were observed following dietary changes.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of screening for and addressing pica during pregnancy.
- Identifying and managing baking powder pica can prevent severe maternal complications like preeclampsia and liver dysfunction.