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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
[Magnet ingestions in children: a French multicenter study]
M Talvard1, S Mouttalib2, V Flaum3
1Unité de gastroentérologie, hépatologie, nutrition, diabétologie et maladies héréditaires du métabolisme, hôpital des Enfants, CHU de Toulouse, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
Abstract:
Digestive complications related to the ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies in children are increasing, especially in Asia and North America. In France, several case reports have been reported since 2008. We conducted a retrospective multicentric study to evaluate the frequency of ingestion of magnet foreign bodies and to describe the complicated cases that have occurred in France over the last 5 years. We report 40 cases of which 60% were multiple magnet ingestions. Eighty-eight percent of the children of the group who had swallowed multiple magnets needed interventional management by endoscopy (33%) or surgery (58%). Only two children (12.5%) of the group who swallowed one magnet required removal. This problem is not uncommon in France (2% of the 1132 foreign bodies investigated in the Toulouse center over 5 years), which justifies clear information for healthcare professionals and caregivers in order to avoid potential intestinal complications. We suggest interventional management or very close monitoring in the cases of multiple magnet ingestion. Meanwhile, in the majority of confirmed cases of simple magnet ingestions, we propose home monitoring.
Insights
Ingesting multiple magnets poses serious risks for children, often requiring medical intervention. Single magnet ingestions can typically be managed at home with close monitoring.
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.
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