Long-Term Quality of Life After Removal of Batteries and Magnets From the Nose in Children.

Abstract

Button batteries and magnets insertion is a frequent pediatric emergency that can cause severe mucosal injury. While acute management is well defined, the long-term outcomes and quality of life (QoL) implications remain poorly investigated. A retrospective study of children was conducted who underwent removal of button batteries or magnets from the nose during 2015-2023. Long-term QoL was assessed through clinical follow-up and telephone interviews, using validated Hebrew versions of the SN-5 and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaires. The 39 children included (mean age 4.6 ± 2.7 years) had a median duration of foreign body retention of 6 (range 0.5-1440) hours. Nasal mucosal injury at presentation included septal perforation (20.5%), erosion (56.4%), and tissue necrosis (12.8%). Long-term follow-up demonstrated that most complications were resolved, while 20.6% of patients had persistent endoscopic findings. Prolonged foreign body retention and symptoms at presentation were significantly associated with complications. Long-term QoL was good and comparable to healthy pediatric populations, regardless of complication status. Most children demonstrated favorable long-term sinonasal outcomes and preserved QoL following nasal button battery or magnet removal. Prompt removal is necessary to prevent clinically meaningful long-term morbidity. Routine extended follow-up should be applied for symptomatic children and those with delayed removal.