Clinical Characteristics and Endoscopic Results of High-Risk Foreign Body Ingestion in Pediatric Patients
Overview
This study evaluates the clinical features and endoscopic outcomes of high-risk foreign body ingestion in children, highlighting significant differences based on object type.
Background
Foreign body ingestion is a prevalent pediatric emergency, with over 80,000 cases reported annually in the United States. High-risk foreign bodies, such as sharp objects, magnets, and button batteries, pose significant risks for complications like gastrointestinal obstruction and perforation.
Data Highlights
Foreign Body Type
Number of Cases
Retention Site
Complications
Sharp Objects
61 (39.4%)
Esophagus
Higher pain rates
Magnetic Objects
42 (27.1%)
Stomach
Highest vomiting and perforation rates
Button Batteries
52 (33.5%)
Stomach
Dysphagia more frequent
Key Findings
39.4% of cases involved sharp objects, primarily lodged in the esophagus.
27.1% involved magnetic objects, which had the longest retention duration (>24 hours).
33.5% involved button batteries, predominantly in children aged 0-3 years.
Endoscopic retrieval had a success rate of 96.1%, with two cases requiring rigid esophagoscopy.
Multiple magnets were associated with high perforation and surgical rates.
Symptoms such as pain and dysphagia were more common with sharp objects and batteries.
Clinical Implications
The study emphasizes the need for urgent intervention in cases of multiple magnet ingestion, even when asymptomatic. Clinicians should be aware of the high success rate of endoscopic retrieval for high-risk foreign bodies and the importance of post-removal follow-up.
Conclusion
High-risk foreign body ingestion in pediatric patients requires careful management and timely intervention, particularly for multiple magnets. Endoscopy remains an effective first-line treatment.
