[Magnet ingestions in children: a French multicenter study]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Foreign Body Ingestion
• Medical Device Complications

Context:

• Digestive complications from ingested magnetic foreign bodies are rising globally, particularly in Asia and North America.
• France has seen an increase in reported magnet ingestion cases since 2008.
• A retrospective multicentric study analyzed 40 cases over five years in France.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the frequency of magnet foreign body ingestion in children in France.
• To describe the spectrum of digestive complications associated with magnet ingestion.
• To inform management strategies for different ingestion scenarios.

Summary:

• 40 pediatric cases of magnet ingestion were reviewed, with 60% involving multiple magnets.
• Multiple magnet ingestions led to interventional management in 88% of cases (33% endoscopic, 58% surgical).
• Single magnet ingestions rarely required removal (12.5%), suggesting home monitoring is often appropriate.

Impact:

• Highlights the significant risk of complications from multiple magnet ingestions in children.
• Supports the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and caregivers regarding magnet safety.
• Recommends tailored management approaches: intervention/close monitoring for multiple magnets, home monitoring for single magnet ingestions.