(1071) Water Bead Injuries of the Airway and Gastrointestinal Tract: A National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database Study

Introduction: Water beads, which are popular among children, can retain fluids and increase in size by 150-1500 times their original size. Water beads can become a significant hazard after ingestion. We aimed to examine the prevalence of accidental water bead ingestion and associated complications of obstruction.

Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, which is part of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, was queried for water bead-related accidents from 2011 to 2022 across the United states. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, need for intervention, ED disposition, and associated complications and fatality were examined.

Results: A total of 49 incidents associated with water beads were recorded during this time period, with some being fatal incidents. Of the 49 incidents, 71.4% (n=35) required hospital admissions and 6.1% (n=3) were fatal incidents. When compared to general surgery-related cases, ENT-related cases had a greater chance of resulting in death (0% n=0 vs. 14.3% n=1, respectively, although not significant p=0.28). ENT-related accidents required surgery more frequently than those that involved intestinal obstruction (100% n=6 vs. 50% n=6, respectively, p=0.014).

Conclusions: Water bead-related injuries can have serious consequences such as hospital admission, surgery, or even death. Given that the majority of reported incidents required hospital admission, thorough examination is crucial when water bead incidents are first encountered. When a child has an ENT emergency related to water beads, it is important to seek prompt medical attention due to the high likelihood of requiring surgery and potential danger to the child’s life. Additional safety measures and increased public education regarding injuries caused by water beads are necessary.