A 12-Year-old Girl With Chronic Pediculosis Infestation Presenting With Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia

Head lice-induced anemia in a child and implications for oral health: Case report

Pediculosis capitis, colloquially referred to as head lice, engenders adverse social and economic consequences among children. While generally not considered a health hazard, chronic and severe head lice infestations have been linked to secondary iron-deficiency anemia. This case report documents a 7-year-old girl who presented for dental treatment with a history of social isolation and poor school attendance. Upon examination, the patient was found to have head lice and scabies infestations, resulting in secondary iron-deficiency anemia. The patient could return to full-time education after successful treatment for the head lice infestation administered by the dental team. This case underscores the need for treatment guidelines to manage children with diagnosed or suspected cases of head lice from a dental perspective. In instances of severe infestation, referral to a medical professional may be necessary for further management. This report highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing head lice infestations and its implications on dental management.

Hypotension Unresponsive to Fluid Resuscitation: A Case Report

Introduction

Iron deficiency anemia is commonly seen in the emergency department (ED), and the cause can be complex and variable.

Case Report

We present a case of a female without known medical history who presented to the ED for generalized weakness and was found to have severe anemia in the setting of chronic lice infestation.

Conclusion

Severe and chronic pediculosis can cause chronic blood loss and be an unusual and rare cause of iron deficiency anemia. In the setting of anemia and hypotension unresponsive to fluid resuscitation, consideration should be given to early packed red blood cell transfusion and subsequent investigation of causes of severe anemia.

Head Lice Infestation: An Unusual Cause of Iron Deficiency Anemia in a 13-Year-Old Female

Pediculosis is a parasitic infestation of the human head and body by Pediculus humanus. This is a benign condition commonly seen in children and capable of causing severe pruritus. The parasite thrives on human blood and in some cases, the volume of blood loss over time could be large enough to precipitate anemic symptoms in the patient. We describe the case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with shortness of breath on exertion, palpitations, and easy fatigability. An incidental finding of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation was made during physical examination. Complete laboratory investigations did not reveal other possible causes of anemia, leading to a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) secondary to severe chronic pediculosis. This case highlights a rare and unusual cause of IDA in children caused by pediculosis, and the need for a thorough investigation, close follow-up, and treatment.