Pica may involve ingestion of a wide range of materials and can have a range of clinical severity. Occasionally pica can cause a complication that may be fatal.
Most cases of pica are seen in children or people with mental disorders. Rarely it may be used with suicidal intent.
Causes of death associated with pica may include:
(1) bowel obstruction with ischemia and/or rupture
(2) bowel perforation by a sharp object
(3) drug toxicity
(4) chemical toxicity, including heavy metals
(5) sepsis
(6) parasitic infection
(7) nutritional deficiency
(8) needle emboli
(9) airway obstruction
(10) aspiration pneumonia
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
