Skin breakdown over cochlear implants: prevention of a magnet site complication.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of inflammation of the skin around the magnet of cochlear implants.


METHODS
A postal survey of 232 children implanted at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, detailing the timing and severity of skin inflammation near the magnet.


RESULTS
Sixty-three children (27%) had at least one episode of skin erythema at the magnet site. In most cases, this resolved after reducing magnet field strength. Nine children stopped wearing the device briefly, and five were treated with antibiotics. Skin ulceration occurred in two cases. No surgical treatment was required. Reactions tended to occur in younger children (2.8 vs 4.3 years; p = .002, Mann-Whitney rank sum test).


CONCLUSIONS
Skin inflammation commonly occurs in children between magnets of the transmitter and receiver coils of a cochlear implant. If inflammation fails to resolve after loosening the magnet, use of the implant should be discontinued temporarily. Antibiotics should be prescribed for cellulitis to prevent an implant-threatening infection.
James
Adrian L
AL
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON.
Daniel
Sam J
SJ
Richmond
Lara
L
Papsin
Blake C
BC
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008280:Magnetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000209:etiology; D013499:Surface Properties
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents