title: Metallic hairpin inhalation: a healthcare problem facing young Muslim females.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To perform an epidemiological assessment of metallic hairpin inhalation in young Muslim females and highlight the need for a health education program in this population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We 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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 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%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 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.
authors.forename: Nabil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rizk
authors.forename: Noor E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Gwely
authors.forename: Vincent L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Biron
authors.forename: Usama
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hamza
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001505:Beauty Culture / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001980:Bronchi; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D007514:Islam; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014132:Trachea; D055815:Young Adult
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