[Foreign body ingestion in children].

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Emergency Medicine
• Clinical Case Studies

Background:

• Foreign body ingestion is a frequent occurrence in pediatric patients.
• It can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not managed appropriately.
• Guidelines for managing foreign body ingestion in children aged 0-18 years exist.

Observation:

• Case 1: A 2-year-old boy ingested a plastic toy helmet, passed it asymptomatically within three days.
• Case 2: A 6-year-old girl ingested two magnets, passed them asymptomatically within two days; endoscopic removal was not feasible.
• Case 3: A 10-year-old boy with VACTERL association ingested a button battery, requiring endoscopic removal and esophageal dilatation for stenosis.

Findings:

• The presented cases illustrate the varied presentations and outcomes of foreign body ingestion in children.
• Button batteries pose a higher risk, potentially necessitating urgent endoscopic intervention.
• Asymptomatic passage is common for certain ingested objects like plastic toys and magnets.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and management strategies for pediatric foreign body ingestion.
• Emphasizes the need for adherence to established clinical guidelines for effective treatment.
• Underscores the potential for severe complications, particularly with button battery ingestions, necessitating prompt medical evaluation.