Pediatric Orbeez Ingestions Reported to Texas Poison Centers. 2019

Mathias B Forrester
From the Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX.

OBJECTIVE There is concern that ingestion of superabsorbent polymer toys, which can absorb large amounts of fluid and increase greatly in volume, may pose a risk if swallowed by children.The intent of this study was to characterize pediatric Orbeez ingestions reported to a statewide poison center system. METHODS Cases were Orbeez ingestions among patients 19 years or younger reported to Texas poison centers during January 2011 to June 2016. The distribution by various demographic and clinical factors was determined. RESULTS Of 110 total cases, 56% were female and 55% were 5 years or younger. Eighty-six percent of the ingestions were unintentional. Sixty-nine percent occurred at the patient's home and 28% at school. Seventy-eight percent of the patients were managed on site. The reported adverse effects were vomiting (4%), abdominal pain (3%), constipation (1%), diarrhea (1%), and fever (1%). The reported treatments were dilution (42%), food or snack (16%), other emetics (1%), whole bowel irrigation (1%), antihistamines (1%), and intravenous fluids (1%). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric Orbeez ingestions tended to involve younger children, were unintentional, and occurred at the child's home or school. Most ingestions were managed outside of a healthcare facility. This study provides further evidence that ingestion of Orbeez by children is not likely to result in serious problems, such as intestinal obstruction. The information in this investigation may assist in prevention and education activities.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007223 Infant A child between 1 and 23 months of age. Infants
D008297 Male Males
D010988 Play and Playthings Spontaneous or voluntary recreational activities pursued for enjoyment and accessories or equipment used in the activities; includes games, toys, etc. Puppets,Toys,Play,Playthings,Plays,Plaything,Playthings and Play,Puppet,Toy
D011039 Poison Control Centers Facilities which provide information concerning poisons and treatment of poisoning in emergencies. Centers, Poison Control,Center, Poison Control,Control Centers, Poison,Poison Control Center
D011108 Polymers Compounds formed by the joining of smaller, usually repeating, units linked by covalent bonds. These compounds often form large macromolecules (e.g., BIOPOLYMERS; PLASTICS). Polymer
D002648 Child A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL. Children
D002675 Child, Preschool A child between the ages of 2 and 5. Children, Preschool,Preschool Child,Preschool Children
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293 Adolescent A person 13 to 18 years of age. Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths

Related Publications

Mathias B Forrester
July 2022, Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.),
Mathias B Forrester
August 2008, The western journal of emergency medicine,
Mathias B Forrester
November 1976, Missouri medicine,
Mathias B Forrester
January 2017, Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.),
Mathias B Forrester
June 2005, The Annals of pharmacotherapy,
Copied contents to your clipboard!