Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Multiple Rare Earth Magnet Ingestions in Children of Qatar. A Single-Center Experience.

Abstract

Rare earth magnets are powerful magnets that can have several negative effects if ingested. The goal of our study is to describe the result of multiple rare earth magnets ingested by children in Qatar. This is observational research. We conducted a retrospective chart review and descriptive analysis of all cases of multiple rare earth magnetic ingestion that werepresented to the Emergency Department of Sidra Medicine between January 2018 and July 2022. We obtained an exemption for this study from our institutional review board (IRB). In our research, we identified 21 children having multiple rare earth magnetic ingestions. The predominant symptoms were abdominal pain and vomiting which were observed in 57% (n=12) and 48% (n=10) of the patients respectively. The most common sign was abdominal tenderness,observed in 14% (n=3) of the patients. In our sample, 38% (n=8) of the patients were managed conservatively whereas 62% (n=13) needed intervention. In our study, 48% (n=10) of the patients sustained complications. The frequent complications were intestinal perforation appreciated in 24% (n=5) and intestinal perforation with fistula formation in 19% (n=4) of the patients. The median age of these patients was two years while the median number of magnets ingested was six. The ingestions were unwitnessed, and the duration of ingestions was unknowninthemajorityofpatientswhoexperiencedcomplications (n=8/10). If numerous rare earth magnetis ingested, children are in high danger of harm. It can be difficult to pinpoint the cases in younger children due to poor communication skills, especially if the intake is unreported. Although Qatar has established restrictions banning the import of rare earth magnets, there are reported cases of children with rare earth magnets ingestions.