Clinical profile and outcome of button battery ingestion in children- an institution-based experience from South India

Revathi V*

Sree Balaji Medical College Hospital, Chromepet, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

ABSTRACT

Button batteries are increasingly becoming a common foreign body ingested by children, thanks to their ubiquitous presence in the multitude of common household articles /devices. Unwitnessed button battery ingestions pose a diagnostic challenge, in that, the symptoms mimic that of a GI upset. The diagnosis may be missed/ delayed unless there is a high index of suspicion. A multidisciplinary approach involving primary care Pediatricians, Pediatric gastroenterologists and Pediatric surgeons is often needed to effectively manage these children. Timely intervention can avert serious complications.

Keywords:

Button battery, Children, accidental ingestion, x-ray, Esophagus, Endoscopy.