Time Is Money in Case of a Button Battery Ingestion

Charlotte Bosschaert1, Katrien Van Renterghem2, Dirk Van de Putte2

  • 1From the Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.

JPGN Reports
|May 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Button battery ingestion is a serious pediatric risk. Prompt endoscopic removal and strategies like honey or acetic acid rinses can prevent severe complications from esophageal button batteries.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Button battery (BB) ingestion presents a significant, preventable health hazard in children.
  • Complications from BB ingestion can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality.

Observation:

  • Presents three pediatric cases with complicated courses following button battery ingestion.
  • Highlights the critical need for urgent endoscopic removal of esophageal BBs.

Findings:

  • Discusses current guidelines for managing esophageal BB impaction.
  • Introduces novel pre-endoscopic strategies: administration of honey or sucralfate.
  • Recommends rinsing esophageal mucosa with acetic acid during endoscopy to neutralize alkalinity and prevent late complications.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the necessity of increased public awareness and legislative changes in BB packaging to prevent ingestions.
  • Suggests a multi-faceted approach involving immediate medical intervention and preventative measures.

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