Complications in children from foreign bodies in the airway

Hugo Rodríguez1, Giselle Cuestas1, Hugo Botto1

  • 1Servicio de Endoscopia Respiratoria, Hospital de Pediatría Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Insights

Foreign body aspiration in children can lead to serious complications. Prompt diagnosis and endoscopic removal are crucial for effective treatment and preventing adverse outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Foreign body aspiration is a frequent pediatric emergency.
  • Delayed diagnosis and treatment increase complication risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze complications from foreign body aspiration in children.
  • To review treatment experiences at a pediatric hospital in Argentina.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 56 patients from the Susy Safe Project (2010-2013).
  • Evaluation of clinical variables including age, foreign body type/location, time to removal, and complications.

Main Results:

  • Most cases (58.9%) occurred in males, with a higher incidence in children over 3 years.
  • Bronchial foreign bodies (66.1%), particularly sunflower seeds and ballpoint caps, were common.
  • Delayed extraction (>24h) was frequent (82.1%), leading to complications like pneumonia (18 cases) and granuloma (15 cases).
  • Hospitalization was required for 41 patients.

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis and specialized intervention are vital.
  • Endoscopic removal is the preferred treatment to minimize complications.
Abstract

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