Ingestion of Strong Magnets is a TIME CRITICAL EMERGENCY
(Multiple Magnets OR a single Magnet and Metallic Objects)
Strong magnets (such as Neodymium)
- Now common place around the house
- From; fridge magnets to toys and peicings
Ingested:
- Intestinal injury can occur within 8-24 hours
- However, symptoms may take weeks to develop
- Symptomatic patients are a SURGICAL emergency
Detection:
- Use X-Ray (NOT metal detectors)
- May require AP and lateral images to see how many
RCEM recommendation (best practice)
- Consider magnet ingestion in unwell children with gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Do not use metal detectors for the assessment of children with suspected rare earth magnet ingestion.
3. All symptomatic rare earth magnet ingestion should be discussed with a specialist regional paediatric surgical centre in the first instance. (i.e. Leeds Paediatric Surgical Team)
4. The progression of the magnet/magnets through the gastrointestinal tract is crucial to determining whether surgical intervention is required.
5. Repeat abdominal X-rays should be performed after 6-12 hours in those children who are asymptomatic and meet the discharge criteria. (i.e. PAU)
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- Single magnet ingestion (avoid clothes with metallic buttons or belts with buckle)
- Accidental ingestion
- No co-morbidities
- Tolerating oral intake
- Presents within 24hr of ingestion
- Care-giver able to provide close observation
- There is no need to examine the child’s faeces
If discharged and returning to PAU:
- Discuss with Paediatric Team – to handover and arrange time of return
- Order X-Ray – so patient can go to PAU via Xray to reduce patient delays
