Factors Associated with Complications in Pediatric Foreign Body Ingestion: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 754 Children

Background/Objectives: Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common reason for pediatric emergency department visits. Although most ingested FBs pass spontaneously, a minority cause serious complications, and rapid identification of high-risk ingestions is crucial. We aimed to describe the management strategies and to identify clinical and FB-related factors associated with complications.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 754 children aged <18 years who presented to a tertiary pediatric emergency department with FB ingestion between 2016 and 2022. FB types, anatomical locations, clinical findings, interventions, and complications were analyzed. Univariate logistic regression was used to screen candidate variables, followed by a parsimonious multivariable model limited to a single non-redundant variable per clinical domain to identify factors independently associated with complications.