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Magnet ingestion in children in the United Kingdom: a national prospective observational surveillance study
Jonathan J Neville1, Mark D Lyttle2,3, Shrouk Messahel4
1University Surgery Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
Insights
Magnet ingestion in children and young people (CYP) is uncommon but can lead to serious injury, especially with multiple magnets. Increased awareness is crucial for prevention and timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health Surveillance
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
Background:
- Magnet ingestion by children and young people (CYP) poses significant health risks.
- Understanding the incidence, circumstances, and outcomes is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of magnet ingestion in CYP in the United Kingdom (UK).
- To describe the demographics, sources, clinical presentations, and outcomes of magnet ingestion cases in CYP.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, multicenter, observational surveillance study was conducted across UK hospitals.
- Data collected included patient demographics, ingestion circumstances, clinical features, and management for CYP (≤16 years) ingesting magnets.
Main Results:
- The UK incidence of magnet ingestion was at least 2.4 per 100,000 CYP annually.
- 314 eligible cases were recorded; 7% of ingestions resulted in injury, and 10% required surgery.
- Ingesting multiple magnets significantly increased the risk of injury (OR 1.1), as did presenting clinical features (OR 3.8).
Conclusions:
- While rare, multiple magnet ingestions can cause severe injuries necessitating surgical intervention.
- Enhanced public and clinical awareness regarding the risks of magnet ingestion is warranted.
- Findings can inform public health strategies and clinical guidelines for managing magnet ingestions in CYP.
Objective:
Magnet ingestion in children and young people (CYP) is associated with significant harm. We aimed to describe the incidence, circumstances and outcomes of magnet ingestion in CYP in the United Kingdom (UK).
Design:
Prospective multicentre observational surveillance study.
Setting:
UK secondary and tertiary level hospitals in urban and rural settings.
Patients:
CYP ≤16 years of age who ingested ≥1 magnet.
Interventions:
Data were collected regarding demographics, circumstances surrounding ingestion, clinical features and management. The primary outcome was the incidence of magnet ingestion in the UK.
Results:
Between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, 366 cases of magnet ingestion were recorded, of which 314 met eligibility (median age 8.7 years (IQR 5.1-12.0)). The incidence of magnet ingestion in the UK was at least 2.4/100 000 (95% CI 2.2 to 2.7) CYP per year. CYP sourced magnets from toys (38%), and magnet products were predominantly purchased by parents or caregivers (19%). Magnet-related injuries occurred in 23 (7%) cases, and surgery was undertaken in 32 (10%). Single magnet ingestions did not cause magnet-related injury. Swallowing greater numbers of magnets associated with an increased risk of injury (OR 1.1 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.2), p=0.002). CYP were asymptomatic in 75% of cases, but clinical features on presentation were associated with an increased risk of injury (OR 3.8 (95% CI 1.4 to 10.3), p=0.008).
Conclusions:
While magnet ingestion in children is uncommon, ingestion of multiple magnets can cause injuries requiring surgery. Greater public and clinician awareness of the associated risks is warranted. This study can inform public health interventions and evidence-based guidelines.
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