Characterization of Non-Food Foreign Bodies Aspirated by Children: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Abstract

Foreign Body Aspiration (FBA) represents a leading cause of death among unintentional injuries in children less than one year of age. This study reviewed case reports and case series reporting non-food FBA in children to characterize aspirated foreign bodies, describing the clinical presentations and the outcomes. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist. Case reports and case series presenting non-food FBA in children (up to 18 years) were eligible to be included. Information regarding study characteristics, child demographics, foreign body characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcome were extracted. The review included 248 articles published between 1965 and 2023, corresponding to 294 cases. The male gender was the most prevalent (194 cases, 66%), and the median age was 3.5 years (Interquartile Range: 1-8 years). Button batteries were the objects most frequently reported (21 cases, 7.1%). Objects were located most often in the bronchus (102 cases, 35%). The most common symptom was cough (181 cases, 62%), followed by respiratory distress (160 cases, 54%) and wheezing/stridor (127 cases, 43%). The present systematic review may have relevant public health implications, since characterizing objects that cause foreign body injuries is essential to reduce the burden of this phenomenon.