Ingestion of a Rubber Glove: A Case Report on Pica- Syndrome

Winterland S1, Schmidt J1, Nordhoff D1, Barthlen W2, Hamelmann E1 and Gaus S3*

1Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Center Bethel, Bielefeld University, University Hospital OWL, Germany
2Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, Children’s Center Bethel, Bielefeld University, University Hospital OWL, Germany
3Department of Pediatric Emergency, Children’s Center Bethel, Bielefeld University, University Hospital OWL, Germany

^*Correspondance to: Sebastian Gaus 

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Abstract:

Background: Pica-syndrome describes the developmentally inappropriate ingestion of inorganic or non-nutritive substances. While the etiology remains unclear and a cure is in most cases not achievable, treatment of the numerous possible complications remains a pivotal point in the care of affected patients. Case Report: We present a case of an autistic teenager with a formerly not known Pica-syndrome, who after ingesting several rubber gloves suffered severe complications due to the curing of the rubber gloves in the intestinal system. Successful removal of the gloves was performed at two different times via endoscopy and via laparotomy. Fortunately, the patient suffered no long-term consequences. Conclusion: The ingestion of rubber gloves should be considered a dangerous complication of Picasyndrome as the material hardens and can form bezoars. In most cases surgical removal of the ingested rubber gloves remains the best course of treatment due the limited risk of further damage. If an endoscopic removal is the treatment of choice the physician in charge should carefully assess the ingested material and weigh the risk of an endoscopic removal against other surgical options. In these cases, endoscopy still remains a useful diagnostic tool.

Keywords:

Pica-syndrome; Rubber glove; Ingestion; Complication

Cite the Article:

Winterland S, Schmidt J, Nordhoff D, Barthlen W, Hamelmann E, Gaus S. Ingestion of a Rubber Glove: A Case Report on Pica-Syndrome. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2024; 9: 2591..