![]() ![]() Introduction: Pica is an eating disorder characterized by persistent ingestion of non-nutrition substances including: soil or clay (Geophagia), corn or laundry starch (Amylophagia) and ice or freezer frost (Pagophagia). Pica is usually discovered by accident, most frequently on the operating table which is why thorough preoperative examination and investigations are required. A barium swallow carried out on the 10th day following surgery shows a functional anastomosis without leakage. Taking into account the intraoperative aspect the decision was made to perform an end-to-side stapled esophago-jejunal anastomosis on an omega loop with a Braun entero-entero anastomosis following total gastric resection and D1 lymphadenectomy. A laparotomy is performed and ollowing an anterior gastrotomy a large quantity of pebbles is found along with a hemorrhagic and stenotic tumor of the lesser curvature. A contrast computed tomograohy is performed showing the presence of a hyper-dense stomach content, gastric wall thickening, abdominal fluid but with no signs of intestinal occlusion. ![]() Pica is a serious condition that is characterized by ingesting inedible things which can prove to be fatal (glass, pebbles, etc.) We present the case of a 64-year-old male patient who is admitted to the emergency room with the following complaints: upper GI tract bleeding manifested through hematemesis and melena, epigastric pain, lack of bowel movements. Soil characterisation and beneficiation for healthy geophagic practices should also be carried out at Mashau Village. Since females mostly reported practicing geophagia, counselling and education of women and girls would be a useful public health measure. There is a concern that the soil from the study area may be adversely affecting individuals ingesting these soils. About 60% of the geophagists had chronic illnesses, and they were diagnosed with headaches (31.6%), low haemoglobin level (29.9%), constipation (18.8%), iron deficiency (12.0%) and high blood pressure (7.7%). The majority of the geophagists in Mashau craved for the soil upon seeing it (31.2%), during pregnancy (22.5%) and when experiencing sleeplessness (21%). ![]() ![]() Craving was found to be the main reason (73.9%) why people of the Mashau communities consume soil. About 91% of the participants were geophagists, of which 98.5% were female. Thus, questionnaires were distributed to 200 participants in the study area with the aim of generating data on the motivations of and potential medical conditions associated to this practice. Furthermore, the motivations for this geophagic behaviour in the study area were unclear. Large quantities of earth materials are consumed daily in Mashau Village nonetheless, this practice had not been studied. The identification of pica in pregnant women could contribute to the detection of a risk group where it is necessary to implement strategies as regards both the evaluation and the nutritional education. Its diagnosis, which only consists in questioning pregnant women, is generally omitted during prenatal care, probably because health professionals have no knowledge about this disorder. It is not clear yet which are the causes that predispose to pica, but they are frequently associated with anemia or iron deficiency during pregnancy. Investigations from Latin America indicate a prevalence of 23% to 44%. Published data reveal a prevalence of between 8% and 65%. Its prevalence during pregnancy is generally underestimated. The description of this peculiar phenomenon dates back to the Greco-Roman civilization. The most common forms of pica are geophagia or the intake of earth and pagophagia or the intake of ice. Pica is the compulsive intake of non-nutritive substances such as earth, clay, chalk, soap and ice. ![]()
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