Julie C Brown1, Jeffrey P Otjen2, George T Drugas3. 1. Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA. 2. Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. 3. Division of Pediatric Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way, NE M/S OA.9.220 Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. Electronic address: george.drugas@seattlechildrens.org.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pediatric magnet ingestions are increasing. Commercial availability of rare-earth magnets poses a serious health risk. This study defines incidence, characteristics, and management of ingestions over time. METHODS: Cases were identified by searching radiology reports from June 2002 to December 2012 at a children's hospital and verified by chart and imaging review. Relative risk (RR) regressions determined changes in incidence and interventions over time. RESULTS: In all, 98% of ingestions occurred since 2006; 57% involved multiple magnets. Median age was 8 years (range 0 to 18); 0% of single and 56% of multiple ingestions required intervention. Compared with 2007 to 2009, ingestions increased from 2010 to 2012 (RR = 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 3.0). Intervention proportion was unchanged (RR = .94, 95% confidence interval .4 to 2.2). Small spherical magnets comprised 26.8% of ingestions since 2010; 86% involved multiple magnets and 47% required intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric magnet ingestions and interventions have increased. Multiple ingestions prompt more imaging and surgical interventions. Magnet safety standards are needed to decrease risk to children.
BACKGROUND: Pediatric magnet ingestions are increasing. Commercial availability of rare-earth magnets poses a serious health risk. This study defines incidence, characteristics, and management of ingestions over time. METHODS: Cases were identified by searching radiology reports from June 2002 to December 2012 at a children's hospital and verified by chart and imaging review. Relative risk (RR) regressions determined changes in incidence and interventions over time. RESULTS: In all, 98% of ingestions occurred since 2006; 57% involved multiple magnets. Median age was 8 years (range 0 to 18); 0% of single and 56% of multiple ingestions required intervention. Compared with 2007 to 2009, ingestions increased from 2010 to 2012 (RR = 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 3.0). Intervention proportion was unchanged (RR = .94, 95% confidence interval .4 to 2.2). Small spherical magnets comprised 26.8% of ingestions since 2010; 86% involved multiple magnets and 47% required intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric magnet ingestions and interventions have increased. Multiple ingestions prompt more imaging and surgical interventions. Magnet safety standards are needed to decrease risk to children.
Authors: Evangelos Blevrakis; Maria Raissaki; Sofia Xenaki; Elissavet Astyrakaki; Nelli Kholcheva; Emmanuel Chrysos Journal: Ann Med Surg (Lond) Date: 2018-05-30
Authors: D Passali; D Gregori; G Lorenzoni; S Cocca; M Loglisci; F M Passali; L Bellussi Journal: Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital Date: 2015-10 Impact factor: 2.124