A clinical study involving 72 cases of multiple magnetic beads in the gastrointestinal tract of children

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to better understand the harm caused by accidental ingestion of multiple beads in children and to improve the consequent management outcomes. Materials and Methods Data collected for the analysis of 72 children involved the patient's sex, age, medical history, place of residence (rural or urban) and symptoms, as well as the caregiver's level of education, the location and number of any foreign bodies found during the procedure, whether perforations were confirmed during the procedure, and the number of erroneous ingestion of magnetic beads. Statistical analysis was performed. Results There were no statistical differences between the perforated group and the unperturbed group in terms of age, sex, medical history, and number of magnetic beads ingested (P > 0.05). However, there were statistical differences in white blood cell count (P = 0.048) and c-reactive protein levels (P = 0.033), where values were higher in the perforated group than in the non-perforated group. Conclusion Abdominal ultrasound and/or abdominal upright x-ray analysis should be performed as soon as possible for rapid diagnosis. Immediate surgical intervention is usually required. Given the serious consequences of ingesting such foreign bodies, it is vital to educate parents and/or caregivers not to keep such products away from young children.