The Association Between Pica and Iron-Deficiency Anemia: A Scoping Review

There are many presentations of iron-deficiency anemia associated with pica in adults, but there is a lack of literature summarizing its different presentations. In this scoping review, we sought to identify the various presentations and if treatment of iron-deficiency anemia resolved the presenting symptoms of pica. This review was conducted by completing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-Scr) checklist. The following electronic databases were searched for potentially eligible articles: PubMed, ProQuest, and Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE). Study screening procedures were completed with a narrative synthesis. The data is synthesized and interpreted by sifting, charting, and sorting based on organ systems. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the scoping review. Regardless of other clinical presentations, the identification of pica symptoms allowed treatment for iron deficiency and led to the resolution of all symptoms in all 20 articles. Therefore, it is imperative to map the available evidence to inform clinicians and allow for better patient care.