Safety beyond Sight: Handheld Metal Detectors as Diagnostic Allies in the Management of Children Suspected to have Ingested Foreign Bodies.

BACKGROUND: Foreign body (FB) ingestion remains a common cause of pediatric emergency department referrals, and the gold standard for detection is whole-digestive-tract radiographic examination. Our study explores whether handheld metal detectors (HHMD) can effectively identify the presence and location of ingested metal objects, potentially reducing the need for additional radiographic examination. METHODS: We collected medical data from children with suspected metal FB ingestion who were referred to our emergency department (October 2017-March 2023), focusing on object type and correlating metal detector findings with radiographic images. RESULTS: Data from 43 children (39.5% female; mean age: 4 y) referred to our emergency department were analyzed. Coins (32.6%), button batteries (18.6%), and hairpins (11.6%) were the most common ingested objects. Metal detectors detected the presence of FBs in 81.4% of cases (sensitivity: 89.7%; specificity: 100%). Radiographs, taken for 40 children, showed that the most common locations were the stomach (37%) and intestine (33%). The metal detector signals matched the radiography results in 69.8% of cases. According to HHMD, 34.9% of objects were accessible via endoscopy, contrasting with 51.2% via radiography (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: While the findings obtained using handheld metal detectors often correlate well with radiograph findings in detecting metal FBs, for an important number of children, this confirmation is lacking, especially when determining the exact location of an object.

Diagnosis, Clinical Presentation and Management of Celiac Disease in Children and Adolescents in Poland.

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals, affecting about 1% of the general population in the developed world. In 2012, the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) recommendations for CD diagnoses in children and adolescents were introduced, allowing the "no-biopsy" approach if certain criteria were met. This approach was also confirmed in the revised guidelines published in 2020. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess-over a one-year period-the clinical presentations and current status of the management of children and adolescents diagnosed with CD in Poland. Medical records of children and adolescents, newly diagnosed with CD in 2022/2023 in three medical centers in Poland, were involved. Gastroenterologists completed the specific anonymous web-based forms developed in the CD SKILLS project, including data routinely assessed at individual visits about the diagnostic approach and clinical presentation of the disease. Our study assessed 100 patients (56% girls) with an age range 1.6-18.0 years. We found that 98% of patients were serologically tested prior to a CD diagnosis and 58% of patients were diagnosed using the "no-biopsy" approach. In the analyzed group, 40% belonged to a known risk group, only 22% had annual screening before the CD diagnosis (the longest for 9 years), and 19% showed no symptoms at the time of the CD diagnosis. Our research confirmed the applicability of the "no-biopsy" approach for the diagnosis of CD in children and adolescents in Poland, and also showed changes in the clinical picture of CD. Moreover, we highlight the need to introduce broad CD serological screening in risk groups of the Polish population.

Evolving Landscape of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Insights from a Decade-Long Study in North-East Slovenia on Incidence, Management, Diagnostic Delays, and Early Biologic Intervention.

BACKGROUND: In the past decade, significant progress has been achieved in the care of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our study concentrated on assessing the incidence and management of IBD in children in North-Eastern Slovenia over a 10-year period. METHODS: Medical data from children and adolescents diagnosed with IBD in North-Eastern Slovenia (2014-2023) was analysed. Disease incidence and management of children were assessed. Findings were compared between two periods (2014-2019 and 2020-2023, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic). RESULTS: 87 patients (median age 15.5 year; 50.6% male) with IBD (43.7% Crohn's disease (CD)), diagnosed between 2014 and 2023 were included. Extraintestinal manifestations were more common in CD than ulcerative colitis (UC) (15.8% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.05). Median delay from symptom onset to diagnosis was 2 months, lower in UC than CD (NS). Mean annual IBD incidence per 100,000 children aged 0 to 19 years was 6.4 (95% CI 4.4-8.3), slightly lower for CD than UC (2.8/100,000 vs. 3.1/100,000). In the second period, IBD incidence significantly rose (9.1 vs. 4.6, p < 0.05). During this period, 53% of CD patients transitioned to biological treatment within three months of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: IBD incidence rose among children in North-Eastern Slovenia over the past decade. Additionally, more children with CD underwent biological therapy in the second period.

ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN 2023 protocol for paediatric FAPD treatment guidelines (standard operating procedure).

INTRODUCTION: To date, no international guidelines have been published for the treatment of paediatric functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs), subcategorised into functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified (FAP-NOS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia and abdominal migraine (AM). We aim for a treatment guideline, focusing on FAP-NOS, IBS and AM, that appreciates the extensive array of available therapies in this field. We present the prospective operating procedure and technical summary protocol in this manuscript. METHODS: Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) will be followed in the development of the guideline, following the approach as laid out in the GRADE handbook, supported by the WHO. The Guideline Development Group (GDG) is formed by paediatric gastroenterologists from both the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, as well as the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Also, one clinical psychologist with expertise in FAPDs is a voting member in the GDG. A final consensus list of treatment options is translated into 'patient, intervention, comparison, outcome' format options. Prospective agreement on the magnitude of health benefits or harms categories was reached through a Delphi process among the GDG to support grading of the literature.There will be a detailed technical evidence review with randomised controlled trial data that will be judged for risk of bias with the Cochrane tool. Recommendations are preferably based on GRADE but could also be best practice statements following the available evidence. A full Delphi process will be used to make recommendations using online response systems. This set of procedures has been approved by all members of the GDG.

Arteria Lusoria as a Cause of Dysphagia in an Infant.

The aberrant right subclavian artery (i.e., arteria lusoria) arising from the left part of the aortic arch is a rare congenital anomaly. In some patients, esophageal compression may cause symptoms of dysphagia, also called dysphagia lusoria. It can cause serious feeding disorders and poor weight gain in young children. We present the case of an early onset of dysphagia lusoria in a 1-month-old girl whose clinical diagnosis was confirmed by esophagography and magnetic resonance imaging. This kind of vascular anomaly can present a diagnostic challenge and should be considered in diagnosing dysphagia in childhood.

Drugs in Focus: Domperidone.

Domperidone is a peripheral dopamine-2 receptor antagonist with prokinetic and antiemetic properties. Its prokinetic effects are mainly manifest in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Currently its use is restricted to relief of nausea and vomiting in children older than 12 years for a short period of time. However, among (pediatric) gastroenterologists, domperidone is also used outside its authorized indication ("off label") for treatment of symptoms associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia, and gastroparesis. Little is known about its efficacy in the treatment of GI motility disorders in children and controversial data have emerged in the pediatric literature. As its use is off label, appropriate knowledge of its efficacy is helpful to support an "off label/on evidence" prescription. Based on this, the purpose of this review is to summarize all evidence on the efficacy of domperidone for the treatment of GI disorders in infants and children and to report an overview of its pharmacological properties and safety profile.

Pediatric Magnet Ingestion, Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention: A European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Position Paper.

Magnet ingestion is a special category of foreign body ingestion associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly if it is associated with staggered ingestion of multiple magnets or with simultaneous ingestion of other metallic foreign bodies, especially button batteries. A special category of magnet ingestion is the ingestion of earth magnets, which have higher levels of magnetism and therefore, potentially, carries a worse outcome. Legislative bodies, scientific Societies and community-led initiatives have been implemented worldwide with the aim of mitigating the effects of this growing, yet avoidable potential medical emergency. A scoping literature review summarized epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention, including an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of magnet ingestion is presented and compared to previously published reviews and position papers (North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, National Poison Center, Royal College of Emergency Medicine). The main emphasis of the algorithm is on identification of staggered/multiple magnet ingestion, and early joint gastroenterology and surgical consultation and management.

Hypnotherapy in Pediatric Gastroenterology.

In several countries, gut-directed hypnotherapy is becoming an established and evidence-based treatment in pediatric gastroenterology. This article describes what hypnotherapy is, offers an overview of its effect in gut-brain disorders and explains its potential mode of action. Moreover, the use of hypnotherapy in other areas of pediatric gastroenterology, as a supportive tool to reduce pain, stress, depression, and anxiety and improve quality of life, will be also discussed. Guidance toward implementing hypnotherapy in clinical practice is provided, including examples of how you can explain hypnosis to patients with gastroenterological symptoms.

ESPGHAN Position Paper on Management and Follow-up of Children and Adolescents With Celiac Disease.

OBJECTIVES: To gather the current evidence and to offer recommendations for follow-up and management. METHODS: The Special Interest Group on Celiac Diseases of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition formulated ten questions considered to be essential for follow-up care. A literature search (January 2010-March 2020) was performed in PubMed or Medline. Relevant publications were identified and potentially eligible studies were assessed. Statements and recommendations were developed and discussed by all coauthors. Recommendations were voted upon: joint agreement was set as at least 85%. RESULTS: Publications (n = 2775) were identified and 164 were included. Using evidence or expert opinion, 37 recommendations were formulated on: The need to perform follow-up, its frequency and what should be assessed, how to assess adherence to the gluten-free diet, when to expect catch-up growth, how to treat anemia, how to approach persistent high serum levels of antibodies against tissue-transglutaminase, the indication to perform biopsies, assessment of quality of life, management of children with unclear diagnosis for which a gluten-challenge is indicated, children with associated type 1 diabetes or IgA deficiency, cases of potential celiac disease, which professionals should perform follow-up, how to improve the communication to patients and their parents/caregivers and transition from pediatric to adult health care. CONCLUSIONS: We offer recommendations to improve follow-up of children and adolescents with celiac disease and highlight gaps that should be investigated to further improve management.

Helicobacter pylori-negative Chronic Gastritis in Children: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the current evidence on Helicobacter pylori-negative chronic gastritis including natural history, available therapies and outcomes. METHODS: Articles providing data on the prevalence, treatment or outcomes of Helicobacter pylori-negative gastritis were identified through a systematic search in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. All original research articles from human studies until October 31, 2021, were included. RESULTS: A total of 54 studies were included consisted of eosinophilic gastritis (n = 9), autoimmune gastritis (n = 11), collagenous gastritis (n = 16), focally enhanced gastritis (n = 6), lymphocytic gastritis (n = 5) and other causes including idiopathic gastritis and chronic renal failure related (n = 7). Most of the included studies were either cross-sectional or longitudinal cohorts except for collagenous gastritis, which mainly included case reports and case series. The prevalence of paediatric eosinophilic gastritis ranges between 5 and 7/100,000 and patients have generally favourable outcome with 50% to 70% clinical and histological response to either corticosteroids or elimination diets. Autoimmune gastritis and collagenous gastritis are extremely rare entities, commonly present with refractory iron deficiency anaemia, while lymphocytic gastritis is relatively common (10%-45%) in children with coeliac disease. Data on treatments and outcomes of autoimmune, collagenous, and focally enhanced gastritis are lacking with limited data implying poor response to therapy in the former 2 diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Helicobacter pylori-negative gastritis is uncommonly reported, mainly in small cohorts, mixed adult-paediatric cohorts or as sporadic case reports. As common symptoms are not specific, thus not always result in an endoscopic evaluation, the true prevalence of these distinct disorders may be underestimated, and thus under reported.

Review on pediatric coeliac disease from a clinical perspective.

Coeliac disease is an immune-mediated condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the small bowel with villous atrophy driven by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. It occurs frequently in both children and adults, affecting 1-4% of the population. The disease is associated with both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms related to malabsorption and/or immune activation, and autoantibodies to tissue transglutaminase. Removal of gluten from the diet results in resolution of symptoms and enteropathy in the majority of patients. A good diagnostic work-up is important to avoid unnecessary restrictive diets in children. In this review on pediatric coeliac disease, we address epidemiology including predisposing environmental factors and possible preventive strategies, as well as the clinical presentation, diagnosis and follow-up. What is Known: •Primary prevention of coeliac disease is not possible; however, secondary prevention by targeting high-risk groups is recommended. •The diagnosis is safe without duodenal biopsies if specific conditions are met, also in asymptomatic children. What is New: •HLA-DQ typing is not routinely required for the diagnosis, whereas it can rule out coeliac disease if HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 are absent. •Follow-up could be improved by a more rational use of (laboratory) tests, increased intention to dietary compliance and quality of life.

Management of coeliac disease patients after the confirmation of diagnosis in Central Europe.

BACKGROUND: Recently published paediatric guidelines for diagnosing coeliac disease do not include recommendations on the follow-up of coeliac disease patients. GOAL: The aim of this study was to assess the management practices and experience of coeliac disease patients with their follow-up appointments in Central Europe. STUDY: Gastroenterologists and coeliac disease patients in five Central European countries were asked to complete the web-based questionnaire focusing on coeliac disease management practices. RESULTS: Answers from 147 gastroenterologists and 2041 coeliac disease patients were available for the analysis. More than half of the gastroenterologists (58.5%) schedule the first follow-up visit within 3 months after the diagnosis. At follow-up, tissue transglutaminase antibodies are checked in almost all patients (95.9%). Approximately two-thirds (60.7%) of gastroenterologists refer all of their patients to the dietitian at diagnosis. Similarly, 42.8% of coeliac disease patients reported that they had not been appointed to a dietitian. Almost one-third of coeliac disease patients (30.8%) reported that they had no follow-up appointments with gastroenterologist at all. CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up of coeliac disease patients is suboptimal in Central Europe. Many patients are not followed regularly. A lot of patients are not referred to a dietitian. The recommendations on the optimal follow-up of coeliac disease patients are needed in order to improve patient care.

Drugs in Focus: Octreotide Use in Children With Gastrointestinal Disorders.

ABSTRACT: Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, has been used for more than 20 years in children with gastrointestinal bleeding, chylothorax or chylous ascites, intestinal lymphangiectasia, pancreatitis, intestinal dysmotility, and severe diarrhoea; however, until now, there is a lack of randomised clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of this compound in childhood. Hence, we aimed to review the literature in order to determine the evidence of its use and safety in children, using PubMed from 2000 to 2021 with the search terms "octreotide" and "children" and "bleeding or chylous ascites or chylothorax or acute pancreatitis or lymphangiectasia or diarrhoea or intestinal dysmotility".

An ESPGHAN Position Paper on the Use of Breath Testing in Paediatric Gastroenterology.

OBJECTIVES: Given a lack of a systematic approach to the use of breath testing in paediatric patients, the aim of this position paper is to provide expert guidance regarding the indications for its use and practical considerations to optimise its utility and safety. METHODS: Nine clinical questions regarding methodology, interpretation, and specific indications of breath testing and treatment of carbohydrate malabsorption were addressed by members of the Gastroenterology Committee (GIC) of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).A systematic literature search was performed from 1983 to 2020 using PubMed, the MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was applied to evaluate the outcomes.During a consensus meeting, all recommendations were discussed and finalised. In the absence of evidence from randomised controlled trials, recommendations reflect the expert opinion of the authors. RESULTS: A total of 22 recommendations were voted on using the nominal voting technique. At first, recommendations on prerequisites and preparation for as well as on interpretation of breath tests are given. Then, recommendations on the usefulness of H2-lactose breath testing, H2-fructose breath testing as well as of breath tests for other types of carbohydrate malabsorption are provided. Furthermore, breath testing is recommended to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), to control for success of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and to diagnose and monitor therapy of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, but not to estimate oro-caecal transit time (OCTT) or to diagnose and follow-up on celiac disease. CONCLUSIONS: Breath tests are frequently used in paediatric gastroenterology mainly assessing carbohydrate malabsorption, but also in the diagnosis of small intestinal overgrowth, fat malabsorption, H. pylori infection as well as for measuring gastrointestinal transit times. Interpretation of the results can be challenging and in addition, pertinent symptoms should be considered to evaluate clinical tolerance.

Follow-up practices for children and adolescents with celiac disease: results of an international survey.

Adequate follow-up in celiac disease is important to improve dietary compliance and treat disease-related symptoms and possible complications. However, data on the follow-up of celiac children is scarce. We aimed to assess current pediatric celiac follow-up practices across Europe. Pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists from 35 countries in Europe, Israel, Turkey, and Russia completed an anonymous survey which comprised a 52-item questionnaire developed by the ESPGHAN Special Interest Group on Celiac Disease. A total of 911 physicians, the majority of whom exclusively worked in pediatric care (83%) and academic institutions (60%), completed the questionnaire. Mean age and mean experience with celiac care were 48.7 years (± 10.6) and 15.7 years (± 9.9), respectively. The vast majority (≥ 92%) always assessed anthropometry, dietary adherence, and tissue-transglutaminase IgA-antibodies at every visit, with the first visit being between 3 and 6 months after diagnosis. Other parameters (% always tested) were as follows: complete blood count (60%), iron status (48%), liver enzymes (42%), thyroid function (38%), and vitamin D (26%). Quality of life was never assessed by 35% of the responding physicians. Transition to adult care was mostly completed via a written transition report (37%) or no formal transition at all (27%).Conclusions: Follow-up of celiac children and adolescents in Europe may be improved, especially regarding a more rational use of (laboratory) tests, dietary and QoL assessment, and transition to adult care. Evidence-based advice from international scientific societies is needed. What is Known: • Follow-up in celiac disease is important to treat disease-related symptoms, improve dietary compliance, and prevent possible complications. • There is a lack of consensus about the appropriate follow-up. What is New: • Almost all European physicians assess anthropometry, tissue-transglutaminase IgA-antibodies, and dietary adherence at every visit, but there are large variations in other follow-up aspects. • Follow-up could be improved by a more rational use of (laboratory) tests, increased intention to dietary compliance, and quality of life together with transition programs to adult care.

Comparison of Microbial Populations in Saliva and Feces from Healthy and Celiac Adolescents with Conventional and Molecular Approaches after Cultivation on Gluten-Containing Media: An Exploratory Study.

Microbes capable of metabolizing gluten are common in various parts of the intestinal tract. In this study, saliva and fecal samples were obtained from 10 adolescents (13-18 years of age), five of which had celiac disease (CD) and five of which were healthy volunteers (HV). Culture-enriched saliva and fecal samples were compared with molecular profiling, and microorganisms displaying lysis zones on gluten-containing media (i.e., gluten-degrading microorganisms; GDMs) were isolated. In total, 45 gluten-degrading strains were isolated, belonging to 13 genera and 15 species, including Candida albicans and Veillonella. GDMs were more common in HVs compared to CD patients and more diverse in saliva compared to feces. In saliva, GDMs showed partial overlap between HVs and CD patients. Bacterial communities in fecal samples determined with amplicon sequencing significantly differed between CD patients and HVs. Overall, 7-46 of all operational taxonomic units (OTUs) per sample were below the detection limit in the fecal samples but were present in the cultivated samples, and mainly included representatives from Lactobacillus and Enterococcus. Furthermore, differences in fecal short-chain fatty-acid concentrations between CD patients and HVs, as well as their correlations with bacterial taxa, were demonstrated.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: the incidence and prevalence of paediatric coeliac disease across Europe.

BACKGROUND: Coeliac disease is one of the most prevalent immune-mediated gastrointestinal disorders in children. AIM: To review the incidence and prevalence of paediatric coeliac disease, and their trends, regionally across Europe, overall and according to age at diagnosis. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis from January 1, 1950 to December 31, 2019, based on PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, searches of grey literature and websites and hand searching of reference lists. A total of 127 eligible studies were included. RESULTS: The prevalence of previously undiagnosed coeliac disease from screening surveys (histology based) ranged from 0.10% to 3.03% (median = 0.70%), with a significantly increasing annual trend (P = 0.029). Prevalence since 2000 was significantly higher in northern Europe (1.60%) than in eastern (0.98%), southern (0.69%) and western (0.60%) Europe. Large increases in the incidence of diagnosed coeliac disease across Europe have reached 50 per 100 000 person-years in Scandinavia, Finland and Spain. The median age at diagnosis increased from 1.9 years before 1990 to 7.6 since 2000. Larger increases in incidence were found in older age groups than in infants and ages <5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric coeliac disease incidence and prevalence have risen across Europe and appear highest in Scandinavia, Finland and Spain. The most recent evidence shows large increases in incidence in most regions, but stabilisation in some (notably Sweden and Finland). Sharp increases in the age at diagnosis may reflect increases in milder and asymptomatic cases diagnosed since reliable serology testing became widely used, through endomysial antibodies after 1990 and tissue transglutaminase antibodies around 2000.

Gastrointestinal Perspective of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Children-An Updated Review.

ABSTRACT: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common findings in children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and difficulty in feeding, although these symptoms tend to be mild. The hepato-biliary system and the pancreas may also be involved, usually with a mild elevation of transaminases and, rarely, pancreatitis. In contrast, a late hyper-inflammatory phenomenon, termed multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), is characterized by more frequent gastrointestinal manifestations with greater severity, sometimes presenting as peritonitis. Gastrointestinal and hepato-biliary manifestations are probably related to a loss in enterocyte absorption capability and microscopic mucosal damage caused by a viral infection of intestinal epithelial cells, hepatocytes and other cells through the angiotensin conversion enzyme 2 receptor resulting in immune cells activation with subsequent release of inflammatory cytokines. Specific conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver transplantation may pose a risk for the more severe presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but as adult data accumulate, paediatric data is still limited. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence about the effect of COVID-19 on the gastrointestinal system in children, with emphasis on the emerging MIS-C and specific considerations such as patients with IBD and liver transplant recipients.

Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Button Battery Ingestion in Childhood: A European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition Position Paper.

ABSTRACT: Button batteries (BB) remain a health hazard to children as ingestion might lead to life-threatening complications, especially if the battery is impacted in the esophagus. Worldwide initiatives have been set up in order to prevent and also timely diagnose and manage BB ingestions. A European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) task force for BB ingestions has been founded, which aimed to contribute to reducing the health risks related to this event. It is important to focus on the European setting, next to other worldwide initiatives, to develop and implement effective management strategies. As one of the first initiatives of the ESPGHAN task force, this ESPGHAN position paper has been written. The literature is summarized, and prevention strategies are discussed focusing on some controversial topics. An algorithm for the diagnosis and management of BB ingestions is presented and compared to previous guidelines (NASPGHAN, National Poison Center). In agreement with earlier guidelines, immediate localization of the BB is important and in case of esophageal impaction, the BB should be removed instantly (preferably <2 hours). Honey and sucralfate can be considered in ingestions ≤12 hours while waiting for endoscopic removal but should not delay it. In case of delayed diagnosis (first confirmation of the BB on X-ray >12 hours after ingestion or time point of removal >12 hours after ingestion) and esophageal impaction the guideline suggests to perform a CT scan in order to evaluate for vascular injury before removing the battery. In delayed diagnosis, even if the battery has passed the esophagus, endoscopy to screen for esophageal damage and a CT scan to rule out vascular injury should be considered even in asymptomatic children. In asymptomatic patients with early diagnosis (≤12 hours after ingestion) and position of the BB beyond the esophagus, one can monitor with repeat X-ray (if not already evacuated in stool) in 7 to 14 days, which is different from previous guidelines where repeat X-ray and removal is recommended after 2-4 days and is also based on age. Finally, prevention strategies are discussed in this paper.