Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the epidemiology of battery-related emergency department (ED) visits among children <18 years of age in the United States.
METHODS
Using a nationally representative sample from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, battery-related ED visits in the United States from 1990 to 2009 were analyzed. Four battery exposure routes for patients were determined from diagnosis codes and case narratives: ingestion, mouth exposure, ear canal insertion, and nasal cavity insertion.
RESULTS
An estimated 65788 (95% confidence interval: 54498-77078) patients <18 years of age presented to US EDs due to a battery-related exposure during the 20-year study period, averaging 3289 battery-related ED visits annually. The average annual battery-related ED visit rate was 4.6 visits per 100000 children. The number (P < .001) and rate (P = .002) of visits increased significantly during the study period, with substantial increases during the last 8 study years. The mean age was 3.9 years (95% confidence interval: 3.5-4.2), and 60.2% of patients were boys. Battery ingestion accounted for 76.6% of ED visits, followed by nasal cavity insertion (10.2%), mouth exposure (7.5%), and ear canal insertion (5.7%). Button batteries were implicated in 83.8% of patient visits caused by a known battery type. Most children (91.8%) were treated and released from the ED.
CONCLUSIONS
This study evaluated battery-related ED visits among US children using a nationally representative sample. Batteries pose an important hazard to children, especially those ≤ 5 years of age. The increasing number and rate of battery-related ED visits among children underscore the need for increased prevention efforts.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Sharpe SJ, Rochette LM, Smith GA

Institution

Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.

Source

Pediatrics 129:6 2012 Jun pg 1111-7

MeSH

Accidents, Home
Adolescent
Child
Child, Preschool
Electric Power Supplies
Emergencies
Emergency Service, Hospital
Female
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Male
United States

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22585763