Pediatric magnet ingestions: the dark side of the force.
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.
['Brown|Julie C|JC|', 'Otjen|Jeffrey P|JP|', 'Drugas|George T|GT|']
D000293:Adolescent D002648:Child D002675:Child, Preschool D004435:Eating D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal D005260:Female D005547:Foreign Bodies D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric D006801:Humans D015994:Incidence D007223:Infant D007231:Infant, Newborn D010535:Laparoscopy D007813:Laparotomy D059346:Magnets D008297:Male D011859:Radiography D014861:Washington
Pediatric Magnet ingestion Emergency Foreign body Gastrointestinal Prevention