Pica, where the patient eats non-food items such as mud,
clay, varnish etc., is a common behavioural problem seen in children, pregnant women and the mentally retarded. However sponge
pica is a very rare variation. We report a case of a 5-year-old Omani girl, who presented with sponge
pica since the age of two years, with recent
abdominal pain. Investigations showed anaemia, elevated liver
enzymes and normal intelligence. There was no evidence of
obsessive-compulsive disorder. Both clinical and laboratory findings showed complete recovery after a few weeks of oral
iron therapy. Her appetite improved, and she started to
gain weight. No recurrence was observed when followed up after two years. Awareness is necessary to detect and treat
pica as early as possible to prevent its complications.