Del Razo-Rodríguez R, Escobedo-Sánchez D, Méndez-Martínez D, Mora-Loya C, Sánchez O

Language: Spanish
References: 14
Page: 120-125
PDF size: 241.57 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction. Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a frequent accident which may be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment are warranted because the risk of death during the acute episode, and to avoid complications caused by the permanence of a foreign body in the airway. A delayed diagnosis makes difficult to perform an endoscopy. A high degree of suspicion is needed to do an early study. Rigid and flexible bronchoscopy for removal, are currently used; both are safe procedures.
Material and methods. We conducted a descriptive, retrospective, transversal, observational study of the records of patients with FBA in one year, in order to ascertain their characteristics, their bronchoscopic images, extraction techniques, concomitant treatments and complications. There were 13 patients. Their average age was 3.22 years. Most were males (85.7%).
Results. Six patients (46.2%) had an asphyxictic event, 1 patient had cardiac arrest. The most common symptom was cough. Physical examination was normal in 4 patients. In only 1 patient a foreign body (FB) was visualized in a chest radiograph. Two patients required more than one bronchoscopy. In 7 patients (53.8%) a flexible bronchoscopy was done and in 6 patients (46.2%) both procedures were performed to achieve the extraction of the FB. We found 9 organic FB (69.2%); the most frequent was peanuts in 7 patients (53.8%). The most frequent site they were lodged was the left main bronchus in 5 patients, the most common complication was desaturation (6 patients) during bronchoscopy. There were no deaths.
Discussion. The aspiration of foreign body in some cases es witnessed by a family member as asphyxia and cough as the most common, however, even if the patient is assessed by medical staff, an aspirated foreign body cannot be ruled out, examination of the chest is normal. Even a chest X ray is usually negative. Therefore a bronchoscopy is required to identify the aspirated FB.
Conclusions. Foreign body aspiration in children may be a cause of death. This can be prevented by adequate information and education of parents and caregivers. Medical staff have to raise their index of suspicion to make the diagnosis and early treatment to avoid complications.

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