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Related Experiment Videos

Sandy faecal impaction caused by severe pica.

M Singh

    Tropical and Geographical Medicine
    |December 1, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary

    Children with severe sand pica experienced constipation due to fecal impaction. Prompt treatment with digital disimpaction and enemas resolved their symptoms, preventing potential intestinal obstruction.

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    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Gastroenterology
    • Psychology

    Background:

    • Pica, the persistent eating of non-food substances, can manifest in various forms, including geophagia (eating earth or soil-like substances).
    • Severe cases of pica, particularly in children, can lead to significant gastrointestinal complications.
    • Sand ingestion, a form of geophagia, poses a risk of fecal impaction and obstructive symptoms.

    Observation:

    • Two primary school-aged children presented with severe constipation.
    • Clinical examination revealed fecal impaction composed of sand, mimicking symptoms of intestinal obstruction.
    • The children exhibited a history of severe pica specifically for sand.

    Findings:

    • The sandy fecal impaction was the direct cause of the severe constipation and obstructive symptoms.
    • Manual disimpaction (digital disimpaction) and rectal enemas were effective in relieving the impaction.
    • The intervention successfully resolved the presenting symptoms in both children.

    Implications:

    • Highlights the critical need for recognizing pica as a potential cause of severe constipation and fecal impaction in pediatric patients.
    • Emphasizes the importance of prompt gastrointestinal assessment and intervention for suspected fecal impaction, even when symptoms simulate obstruction.
    • Suggests that early diagnosis and management of sand pica can prevent serious complications like intestinal obstruction and reduce the need for more invasive procedures.

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