Water-absorbing beads have change into more and more hazardous to kids over the previous 10 years, as kids who swallow the beads can expertise life-threatening issues resembling bowel obstruction.
In new analysis introduced in the course of the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 Nationwide Convention & Exhibition, researchers reveal the outcomes of an experiment during which they grew the beads to completely different sizes and examined completely different child-safe liquids to see which of them may shrink the beads after they’d expanded.
The summary, “The Hidden Risks: Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) Beads as an Growing Reason for Bowel Obstruction in Kids,” will probably be introduced in the course of the convention on the Orange County Conference Heart Sept. 27-Oct. 1.
Water beads can pose severe dangers if ingested, together with choking and bowel obstructions needing surgical procedure. When you have younger kids, it is best to not have these beads within the dwelling.”Â
Bryanna Emr, MD, FACS, pediatric surgeon, senior creatorÂ
In a literature evaluate, researchers discovered that kids below the age of 5 years usually tend to swallow the beads and have a ensuing intestinal blockage. Ultrasounds may be carried out to establish the bead contained in the gut. More often than not, docs must carry out surgical procedure to take away a number of beads.
Over the previous decade, the variety of circumstances of kids swallowing water beads and experiencing intestinal blockage has elevated, the authors word. They performed an experiment during which they discovered that sure liquids resembling GoLYTELY, a sort of bowel prep, labored greatest to shrink the beads and was in a position to shrink the beads by greater than 38%.
“Water beads are a rising downside for younger kids and there must be extra consciousness concerning the dangers if swallowed,” Dr. Emr mentioned. “Regardless of the recall of some kids’s toys containing water beads, they continue to be broadly accessible in dwelling decorations, gardening provides, and craft supplies. They’re gentle textured and sometimes in vivid colours, making them simple to swallow and engaging to younger kids.”
The beads can broaden as much as 400 occasions their unique dimension upon contact with liquids, placing kids in danger for intestinal blockage and different issues.
Extra analysis ought to be accomplished to develop clear pointers for treating youngsters who swallow these beads, the authors conclude.
Research creator Alicia Greene, DO, a basic surgical procedure resident at Penn State Well being, is scheduled to current her analysis, which is under, from 10:12-10:20 AM Saturday, Sept. 28 in H2015.
As well as, Dr. Greene, Dr. Afif Kulaylat and Dr. Bryanna Emr will probably be amongst highlighted summary authors who will give temporary shows and be accessible for interviews throughout a press convention from midday – 1:30 pm ET within the Nationwide Convention Press Room, W208 AB. Throughout the assembly, chances are you’ll attain AAP media relations employees at 407-685-5401.
Please word: solely the summary is being introduced on the assembly. In some circumstances, the researcher might have extra information accessible to share with media, or could also be getting ready an extended article for submission to a journal.Â
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