Abstract
Rare-earth magnet ingestion in the pediatric population is associated with significant injuries. Multiple reports on perforation, intestinal fistula formation, and bowel obstruction are available worldwide.
We reviewed the medical records for cases seen in Qatar from 2011 to 2024 in the main institutions providing tertiary care to all children, reviewing the demographics, clinical presentation, treatment modality, operative and postoperative course.
Of the 45 cases managed, 32(80%) required intervention (laparoscopy, laparotomy, and/or endoscopy). Among these, 20 patients (62.5%) underwent laparotomy, 4(12.5%) underwent laparoscopy as the sole or combined modality, and 4 (12.5%) were eligible for endoscopic removal only. Post-intervention complications were reported in 9 cases (28.1%), including superficial wound infection(5/32), collection(3/32), adhesive bowel obstruction (1/32), and incisional hernia(1/32). No deaths were seen. In logistic regression, presence of symptoms was the only predictive factor for the need of intervention (OR7.09 [95%CI 1.23-40.75]).
Our national report demonstrates the hazards and complications of magnet ingestion in children. Raising public awareness of the hazards and limiting access to magnets in toys would be important prevention steps. Policymakers should consider product recall to reduce these effects. Further efforts and collaboration with neighboring GCC and Arab countries should be undertaken to further reduce this issue.