Pediatric aerodigestive foreign bodies in the Qassim region: a retrospective study of epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes

BACKGROUND:
Aerodigestive foreign bodies (ADFBs) are a common pediatric emergency, often caused by tiny objects like toys, coins, seeds, and other foreign materials getting lodged in the airway during swallowing or breathing. Inadequate handling and delayed treatment could lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Understanding the symptoms and dangers associated with ADFBs is crucial in implementing preventative measures to reduce their occurrences.


OBJECTIVES:
The study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of pediatric patients with ADFBs in the Qassim region.


DESIGN:
Single-center, retrospective study


SETTING:
Maternal and Children's Hospital, Qassim, Saudi Arabia


PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Retrospective data of pediatric patients (0–14 years) with confirmed ADFBs recorded over the past 5 years at Maternal and Children Hospital (MCH) in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia. Data was first cleaned and then analyzed using SPSS version 26 to obtain crucial insights.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Common characteristics and management strategies of ADFBs in pediatric patients, including demographic factors, such as age and gender, the type and location of the foreign bodies, and the clinical presentation and outcomes following intervention.


SAMPLE SIZE:
149 patients


RESULTS:
Most patients were symptomatic 89 (59.7%) with frequent symptoms such as vomiting 38 (42.7%) followed by drooling 14 (15.7%) and cough 13 (14.6%). Most of the objects 122 (81.9%) were radiopaque, impacted in the upper esophagus above clavicle 90 (60.4%). The common foreign body type identified were coin 96 (64.4%); seeds 8 (5.4%) and battery 8 (5.4%). Most objects (91.94%) were visualized, and 76.5% were removed via endoscopy. Only 10 (6.7%) of the patients had complications with nearly one-third 3 (30.0%) of them presenting with erosion.


CONCLUSION:
Common foreign body types reported are coins, seeds, and batteries. Most objects impacted are radiopaque; with endoscopy commonly used in visualization and foreign body extraction from patients. The study highlights the need for increased awareness among caregivers regarding pediatric safety and the potential risks and complications associated with ADFBs. It recommends prompt action, including medical intervention and preventive measures, to reduce the incidence and risks of ADFBs.


LIMITATION:
Single-center and retrospective design limited the generalizability of the investigation.