Confirmed and Suspected Foreign Body Injuries in Children during 2008–2013: A Hospital-Based Single Center Study in Oulu University Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Foreign body injuries are common in children. Most of them are not serious but they can be fatal. A suspected foreign body injury in a child results in a high rate of hospitalizations, exposure to radiation, and need for intervention. This study aimed to analyze the current epidemiology of in-hospital or out of hospital treated foreign object injuries and suspected foreign body injuries in children. Material and Methods: All children <16 years of age (N = 152) who suffered or were suspected to suffer (N = 63) from a foreign body injury and were treated in a pediatric trauma unit of Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland, over a 6-year study period (2008–2013) were included. A comprehensive chart review was completed in order to evaluate injury history, age at the time of trauma, treatment and characteristics of the foreign objects. Results: The majority (57.9%, N = 88) of the injuries were found in children <3 years of age. There was a male predominance (60.5%, N = 92). The most common anatomical site where the foreign body was found was the nose (28.9%, N = 44), followed by the esophagus (20.4%, N = 31) and the eye (11.2%, N = 17). Foreign objects were also found in the lower airways (10.5%, N = 16), ear (10.5%, N = 16), bowel (9.9%, N = 15), throat (3.9%, N = 6), stomach (3.9%, N = 6), and urethra (0.7%, N = 1). Various household items were the most common foreign bodies (33.6%, N = 51). Toys in particular caused 22.4% (N = 34) of the injuries. In-hospital intervention was necessary for 38.5% of the patients (N = 58). Intervention was needed in 39.7% (N = 25/63) of the patients who were suspected to suffer from foreign body but did not. There were no fatalities. Conclusion: Foreign body injuries treated at the pediatric trauma unit were most common in the youngest children (<3 years of age). Majority (61.8%, N = 94) of the patients were treated non-operatively, without any in-hospital intervention.