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Longitudinal Trends of Pica Behaviors, Behavioral Support, and Healthcare Utilization in Pediatric Sickle Cell

Shelley Gresko1, Suzie Noronha2, Katlyn Rice1,2

  • 1Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA.

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|March 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) often exhibit pica, a condition involving cravings for non-food items. This study found that while pica did not increase healthcare use, behavioral treatment was significantly underutilized in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Pediatrics
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients face increased risks for pica.
  • Pica is the persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between SCD genotype, pica behaviors, and healthcare utilization.
  • To assess the utilization of behavioral health therapy among pediatric SCD patients with pica.

Main Methods:

  • A 10-year retrospective chart review was conducted.
  • Data collected included SCD genotype, pica type, behavioral health treatment, and healthcare utilization (ED visits, hospitalizations).

Main Results:

  • 24% of SCD patients reviewed displayed pica behaviors.
  • Pica diagnosis did not correlate with increased yearly emergency department visits or hospitalizations.
  • Only 21% of patients with pica received behavioral health treatment, indicating underutilization.

Conclusions:

  • Increased awareness of pica in pediatric SCD patients is necessary.
  • Effective medical and behavioral health follow-up is crucial for SCD patients with pica.
  • Underutilization of behavioral health treatment highlights a gap in care for these patients.

Keywords:
behavioral therapypediatricspicasickle cell

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