Citation

Brown JC, Otjen JP, Drugas GT. Am. J. Surg. 2014; 207(5): 754-9; discussion 759.

Affiliation

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.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2013.12.028

PMID

24791640

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.

Keywords: Multiple magnet ingestion

Language: en