Pica in end-stage chronic kidney disease: Literature review

Abstract Pica is an individual entity in the patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which phenomenon has not been widely studied despite the high reported prevalence. Moreover, pica complications (anaemia, altered electrolytes, poor absorption of micro and macronutrients and malnutrition) could be exacerbated in CKD and limit the quality of renal replacement therapy. The intake of non-caloric and non-nutritional substances could be harmful and cause effects on satiety and metabolic/electrolyte imbalance and modify the biocompatibility of micronutrients, toxins and pathogens worsening health status. In daily practice, pica could be under-reported because patient's shame to recognise it, or fear that such behaviour influences their treatment. Additionally, clinicians who not investigate the presence of pica or its complications contribute to the lack of information about the magnitude and relevance of this problem in CKD.