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Best evidence topic report. Serial x rays in battery ingestion
Stewart Teece1, Kevin Mackway-Jones
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|July 28, 2005
Summary
Serial X-rays are not proven necessary for esophageal battery ingestions that have passed. Current medical literature lacks evidence to support routine follow-up imaging for these specific pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Battery ingestion is a common pediatric emergency.
- Esophageal battery ingestion poses risks of thermal burns and perforation.
- Current practice often involves follow-up imaging, but evidence is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the necessity of serial X-rays after a battery has passed the esophagus.
- To evaluate the existing evidence base for follow-up imaging in battery ingestion cases.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
- The review focused on studies addressing serial X-rays in esophageal battery ingestion.
- A critical appraisal of identified papers was performed.
Main Results:
- A total of 104 papers were identified through the search.
- None of the reviewed studies provided evidence to answer the clinical question.
- No data supports or refutes the need for serial X-rays in this scenario.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant lack of evidence regarding the necessity of serial X-rays.
- Current clinical guidelines may need re-evaluation based on this evidence gap.
- Further research is crucial to establish optimal management protocols.