Foreign body aspiration in children: the effects of delayed diagnosis

Lev Shlizerman1, Salim Mazzawi, Yosef Rakover

  • 1Department of Ear Nose and Throat-Head and Neck Surgery, Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel. lev_sh@clalit.org.il

Insights

Foreign body aspiration in children is common, with predictors including witnessed events, young age, and abnormal X-rays. Delays in diagnosis and treatment significantly increase complication risks.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Foreign body aspiration is a frequent pediatric emergency.
  • Clinical predictors for diagnosis before bronchoscopy are lacking.
  • This study investigated clinical characteristics and diagnostic delays.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Define clinical characteristics of pediatric foreign body aspiration.
  • Evaluate the impact of diagnostic and treatment delays on outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 136 pediatric bronchoscopy cases over 10 years.
  • Identified predictors for foreign body aspiration.
  • Analyzed complication rates based on arrival and bronchoscopy timing.

Main Results:

  • Witnessed aspiration, age < 2 years, and abnormal chest X-ray predicted aspiration.
  • Risk was significantly higher (OR 5.6) with these combined factors.
  • Complications doubled with delays of ≥2 days for hospital arrival or ≥24 hours for bronchoscopy.

Conclusions:

  • Delayed hospital arrival and bronchoscopy increase complication rates in pediatric foreign body aspiration.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for better outcomes.
  • Identifying high-risk factors aids in prompt management.
Abstract

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