Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (Apr 2021)

A Case of Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia Due to Pediculus Capitis

  • Andrew Van Hersh,
  • Samantha Wirkowski,
  • Benjamin McMillon,
  • Amelia Balderston,
  • Alexis Hamelink,
  • Kerry McGowan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15264/cpho.2021.28.1.46
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 1
pp. 46 – 48

Abstract

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Infestation with Pediculus capitis, or head lice, is a common occurrence in the pediatric population. These ectoparasites survive by feeding on human blood. While a nuisance, lice are typically considered harmless and the amount of blood imbibed is not usually considered to be of clinical significance. We present a case of a 10- year-old female with severe, prolonged head lice infestation with concomitant iron deficiency anemia that was unable to be attributed to other causes.

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