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After the Recall: Reexamining Multiple Magnet Ingestion at a Large Pediatric Hospital
Daniel Rosenfield1, Matt Strickland2, Charlotte Moore Hepburn3
1Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Objectives:
To evaluate the effectiveness of a mandatory product recall on the frequency of multiple mini-magnet ingestion at a large tertiary pediatric hospital, and to examine the morbidity and mortality associated with these ingestions.
Study Design:
In this retrospective chart review, we searched our institution's electronic patient record for patients aged <18 years who had been diagnosed with ingested magnetic foreign bodies between 2002 and 2015, a period that included the mandatory product recall. We compared the frequency and character of ingestions before and after the recall.
Results:
Comparing the postrecall years (January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015) with the 2 years immediately preceding the recall year (January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2012) yields an incidence rate ratio of 0.34 (95% CI, 0.18-0.64) for all magnet ingestions and 0.20 (95% CI, 0.08-0.53) for ingestion of multiple magnets. Based on the Fisher exact test, the incidence of both magnet ingestion (P < .001) and multiple magnet ingestion (P < .001) decreased, and the morbidity associated with magnet ingestion decreased. There were no deaths in either study period.
Conclusion:
There was a significant decrease in multiple mini-magnet ingestion following a mandatory product recall. This study supports the effectiveness of the recall, which should bolster efforts to keep it in place in jurisdictions where it is being appealed. More broadly, the result provides general evidence of a recall helping decrease further harm from a product that carries a potential hazard.
Insights
A mandatory product recall significantly reduced mini-magnet ingestions in children. This recall effectively decreased the frequency and associated harm from these dangerous ingestions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Public Health
- Consumer Product Safety
Background:
- Ingestion of small magnets poses a significant risk to children.
- Mandatory product recalls are implemented to mitigate hazards associated with consumer products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a mandatory product recall on pediatric mini-magnet ingestions.
- To evaluate changes in morbidity and mortality related to magnet ingestions post-recall.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patients under 18 diagnosed with ingested magnetic foreign bodies.
- Comparison of ingestion frequency and characteristics before and after a mandatory product recall (2002-2015).
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in overall magnet ingestion (IRR 0.34) and multiple magnet ingestion (IRR 0.20) was observed post-recall.
- The incidence of both magnet ingestion and multiple magnet ingestion decreased significantly (P < .001).
- Associated morbidity also decreased, with no reported deaths in either study period.
Conclusions:
- The mandatory product recall was effective in reducing pediatric mini-magnet ingestions.
- Findings support the continuation of recall policies to prevent further harm from hazardous products.
- This study provides evidence for the public health benefit of product recalls in mitigating consumer product-related injuries.
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