Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology  2021;28(1):46-48

doi:10.15264/cpho.2021.28.1.46

A Case of Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia Due to Pediculus Capitis

Andrew Van HERSH 1 ; Samantha WIRKOWSKI ; Benjamin MCMILLON ; Amelia BALDERSTON ; Alexis HAMELINK ; Kerry MCGOWAN

Affiliations

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Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

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.