Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion During Childhood; the Experience of a University Hospital in Turkey

Abstract

Aim: Metallic foreign body (MFB) ingestion is a common problem in the pediatric population. Morbidity and mortality rates are low in foreign body ingestion during childhood, but it may lead to anxiety in parents. Materials and Methods:We aimed to analyze the clinical presentation, etiology, and management of MFB ingestion. The records of children admitted with a history of MFB ingestion were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding gender, age, type of foreign body, management, and outcome (outcomes) were recorded.Results: Of the 151 children included, 67 (44.4%) were male and 84 (55.6%) female. The mean age was 49.3±39.2 months. Coins, in 108 patients (71.5%), were the most commonly ingested foreign bodies, followed by batteries in 19 patients (12.6%), and other metallic objects. The foreign bodies were located in the esophagus in 70 (46.4%) patients, the stomach in 29 (19.2%), and the small intestine in 52 (34.4%). Endoscopic interventions were performed in 69 patients (45.6%). One patient who swallowed a battery was operated because of acute abdomen.Conclusion: MFB ingestion may appear as an emergency condition of a preventable cause in domestic accidents. It must not be forgotten that in addition to protective measures, early intervention in the emergency department is a significant factor in reducing mortality associated with this condition. (JAEM 2015; 14: 79-82)

Hijab Pin Ingestions

“…12 Straight pins, and more specifically hijab pins, are clearly underrepresented in the literature on which current guidelines are based. 10,13,14 Reilly et al 13 included in their cohort various sharp object ingestions but few straight pins. In another study, only 3 of 244 cases were straight pins.…”