Analysis of Complications After Button Battery Ingestion in Children

Abstract

Aim: Button battery ingestion (BBI) in children may cause severe complications. This analysis is a literature review of complications after pediatric BBI.

Methods: Literature was searched on PubMed (1995-2015) using the terms "button battery," "ingestion," and "children." End points were age, type and diameter of battery, complications, affected organ, and fatality.

Results: A total of 31 publications were analyzed. Patients from 4 months to 19 years old were included (n = 136,191, with n = 102,143 or 75% aged <6 y). In 6262, the diameter of the battery was documented. Batteries of 20 mm or greater in size were more prone to complications (n = 226). With regard to the anatomy, BBI caused complications mainly in the esophagus (n = 88, 38.94%). Sixty-one fatal outcomes were reported.

Conclusions: Children younger than 6 years are the most prone to BBI, with lithium batteries of 20 mm or greater in size associated with complications. Complications have been estimated at 0.165%, with lethality of 0.04%. The esophagus is the most affected organ, but vascular involvement is often fatal.