Tag Archives: magnet

Magnets: Clear and Present Danger

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As noted in previous blogs (see below for links), ingested magnets represent a significant problem.  Two more studies add data to this issue:

  • JPGN 2013; 57: 14-17.
  • JPGN 2013; 57: 18-22.

The first study relates a retrospective single-hospital experience from 1995-2012 (from Boston).  In total, 112 cases of magnet injuries were identified using an initial computer search followed by manual chart review.  The mean patient age was 6 years.  The incidence rate ratio of 3.44 during the period 2007-2012 indicates a significant uptick in these injuries compared with the prior period. In addition, “office toys” accounted for 18 of 45 injuries during this latter period. Nature of injuries: swallowed magnets accounted for 86% of these injuries with 13 (12%) requiring endoscopic removal and 4 (4%) needing surgical intervention.

The second study analyzed a nationally representative same from the US Consumer Product Safety Commision Database (NEISS) for emergency department (ED) visits involving magnet ingestion in children (< 18 years) from 2002-2011.  NEISS sample includes >100 hospitals and 7 children’s hospitals.  The authors note that searching NEISS is not always straight-forward as specific product codes need to be entered like toy, kitchen gadget, and others.  The findings:

  • 16,386 suspected magnet ingestion related ED visits from 2002-2011
  • 59.4% were boys , 54.7% were younger than 5 years
  • There was a >8-fold increase in visits for these ingestions from 2002 to 2011.
  • Study limitations: NEISS database –likely underestimates problem, and no specific NEISS code for magnets

The authors note that one institution has started screening for magnets prior to MRI after a 5 year-old with unrecognized magnet ingestion developed intestinal perforations after undergoing an MRI for torticollis.

Take-home message: Magnets are, in the words of Tom Clancy, a ‘Clear and Present Danger’ as ingestion of more than one magnet creates a high risk of perforation or fistula.

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