Category: Paeds-GIT

Ingested Magnets

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:

  • 2 views – to determine number of magnets (if in doubt assume multiple)

RCEM recommendation (best practice)

Swallowed Foreign Body – Metal Detector

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Swallowed Foriegn Body

The ingestion of a foreign body or multiple foreign bodies (FB) is a common presenting complaint in paediatric surgery, with a peak incidence from 12-24 months however, can occur at any age. Ingested foreign bodies rarely cause problems; almost 80% of patients pass the foreign body without intervention – in seven days2 (only 1% require surgical removal). However, occasionally foreign bodies can cause significant morbidity (for example, oesophageal rupture) and 1% require surgical removal.

The presenting symptoms and outcomes of an ingested foreign body is highly dependent on the swallowed object, and for this reason, the guidance for hazardous and non-hazardous foreign body ingestion has been divided accordingly.

Using the Metal Detector

Non-Hazardous Objects

Button Battery

Magnets

 

Sharp Objects

PDF copy – HERE

Infant Feed Volumes – what is expected?

As you know part of assesses sing an infant is asking about how well it is feeding, especially in Bronchiolitis. However, our paediatric colleagues have noticed that many infants are over fed, and although their intake may have reduced it would still be considered adequate for normal growth.

The tables below give an indication of what a healthy intake is and should be used when assessing how well an infant is feeding. Read more