Pica in Chilean infants

Abstract

The incidence of pica was studied in 299 eutropic infants aged 3 to 24 mth from 4 outpatient clinics in northern Santiago. 12.1% of these infants were found to have pica. The frequency was the same in both sexes and reached a peak of 21.8% in the age group 10 to 12 mth. No relationship was found between pica and socio economic status or the amount of iron and proteins in the diet, as determined by an inquiry into the quantities consumed. The prevalence of pica was significantly greater in the infants with hemoglobin values under 10.5%, and it showed a statistically significant relationship with the serum iron values.