MAGNETIC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Magnetic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children (MAGNETIC): a prospective surveillance study
IRAS ID
303489
Contact name
Nigel J Hall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies by children is dangerous and the incidence is increasing worldwide. Singly ingested magnets behave similarly to other foreign bodies, and usually pass through the digestive tract without complication. However, multiple magnets are able to attract one another between loops of bowel, causing compression and death of the cells in the bowel wall, abnormal connections between loops of bowel (fistulae), and holes (perforations). Endoscopic and surgical management is frequently required to remove multiple magnets and to treat these complications.
This is a prospective study in the UK and Ireland, over a single calendar year, which aims to describe the incidence, demographics, circumstances, management and outcomes of magnet ingestion in childhood. Secondary aims of the study include identifying the utility of serial plain film radiographs (X-rays) in monitoring the passage of magnetic foreign bodies and diagnosing the complications of ingestion. It is also hypothesized that unwitnessed ingestions have poorer outcomes, and we will also investigate this. We will also use the data collected in this study to audit the current management of magnet ingestion against national guidelines.
We hope that the findings of this study will help inform parents and healthcare professionals of the dangers of magnet ingestion, and add to the current literature informing clinicians on best management practice. We also hope this data will be used to inform policy makers, safety agencies and charities, and manufacturers as to the dangers of magnet ingestion, with the hope of developing more strict legislation over their sale.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0050
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion