Pica in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pica is the persistent eating of non-nutritive substances for over a month.
• Pica can cause adverse health outcomes, but its pathophysiology is not fully understood.
• Pica is frequently observed in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on pica in youth with SCD.
• To develop a comprehensive biopsychosocial model for pica in this population.
• To identify potential biological, psychological, and social factors associated with pica.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on pica and SCD.
• Synthesis of findings to propose a biopsychosocial framework.
• Analysis of potential correlates of pica in pediatric SCD.

Main Results:

• Pica is prevalent in youth with SCD, yet its correlates are poorly understood.
• Existing knowledge gaps hinder accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.
• A biopsychosocial model is proposed to integrate various contributing factors.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the biopsychosocial factors of pica in SCD is crucial.
• This model can guide future research and clinical practice for pediatric SCD.
• Further investigation is needed to validate the proposed model and inform interventions.