Little battery, big problem! Paediatric button battery ingestions: An update.

Abstract

It is important for emergency medicine clinicians to have a good knowledge of the potential risks associated with paediatric button battery ingestions. Two illustrative cases are described - one acute presentation that was transferred to theatre emergently and another child with a late presentation. Both suffered serious complications requiring prolonged hospitalisation. The pathophysiology and epidemiology of paediatric button battery ingestion is then reviewed, followed by a discussion of clinical features, potential complications, and recommendations for emergency department management.