Metallic hairpin inhalation: a healthcare problem facing young Muslim females

ObjectivesTo perform an epidemiological assessment of metallic hairpin inhalation in young Muslim females and highlight the need for a health education program in this population.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of females with a history of metallic hairpin inhalation presenting to the Otolaryngology and Cardiothoracic Surgery Departments at Mansoura University Hospitals from January 2000 to October 2006.ResultsA total of 83 patients were identified with metallic hairpin inhalation, of which 2 were excluded as they were coughed and expelled by the patient. Ages ranged from 7 to 19 years. A history of inhaled foreign body (FB) was found in all cases but the majority of patients were asymptomatic, with only 6 patients (7%) presenting with cough. Chest x-rays confirmed the presence of metallic hairpin inhalation in all cases. The metallic hairpins were present in the trachea in 7 patients (9%), in the left bronchial tree in 43 patients (53%) and in the right bronchial tree in 31 patients (38%). Rigid bronchoscopy was performed in all patients with a retrieval rate of 80%. Repeat bronchoscopy was performed in 16 patients (20%), which was successful in 11 patients (14%). The remaining 5 patients required thoracotomy for removal of the metallic hairpin (6%).ConclusionThe significant number of inhaled metallic hairpins in young Muslim females highlights the need for a health education program in this population. Rigid bronchoscopy remains the primary tool for retrieval of these inhaled foreign bodies. However, when repeat broncoscopy is necessitated, a thoracotomy may be required.

[1]  E. Uçan,et al.  Turban pin aspiration syndrome: a new form of foreign body aspiration. , 1996, Respiratory medicine.

[2]  R. Perng,et al.  Foreign body aspiration into the lower airway in Chinese adults. , 1996, Chest.

[3]  Aspiration of pins , 1998, Pediatric Surgery International.

[4]  K. Doǧan,et al.  Turban pin aspiration; a potential risk for young Islamic girls. , 1999, International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology.

[5]  D. Rodenstein,et al.  Tracheobronchial foreign bodies: presentation and management in children and adults. , 1999, Chest.

[6]  N. Sonkhya,et al.  Migrating foreign body in the bronchus. , 2003, International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology.

[7]  G. Kiyan,et al.  [Foreign body aspiration in children]. , 2004, Kulak burun bogaz ihtisas dergisi : KBB = Journal of ear, nose, and throat.

[8]  T. Al-Delaime,et al.  Aspiration of pins , 1996, Pediatric Surgery International.

[9]  L. Hasdıraz,et al.  Turban Pin Aspiration: Non-Asphyxiating Tracheobronchial Foreign Body in Young Islamic Women , 2006, The Thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon.

[10]  L. Soylu,et al.  Rigid bronchoscopy for the suspicion of foreign body in the airway. , 2006, International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology.

[11]  H. Ulutas,et al.  Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration: A continuing challenge , 2006, Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

[12]  A. Sharara,et al.  Tracheobronchial straight metallic pin aspiration in young Jordanian females. , 2007, Saudi medical journal.

[13]  Osama M Ebied,et al.  Scarf pins sharp metallic tracheobronchial foreign bodies: presentation and management. , 2007, International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology.

[14]  Ahmed Al-Halfawy.  RETRIEVAL OF ASPIRATED METALLIC PINS USING FLEXIBLE BRONCHOSCOPY SINGLE AUTHOR EXPERIENCE WITH 120 PINS , 2008 .

[15]  V. Kalra,et al.  Migrating Foreign Body in the Bronchus , 2011, Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.