A TWO-YEAR-OLD boy died after swallowing a ‘googly eye’ that got stuck in his body for 14 months.
Hospital scans failed to pick up the plastic craft object inside little Kazarie Dwaah-Lyder and it fatally wounded him.
The youngster ingested the eye in February 2022 and was immediately taken to A&E, St Pancras Coroner’s Court in London heard.
He went for an X-ray and fluoroscopy (another form of X-ray), but each test came back negative as it wasn’t metal and he was sent home by doctors.
Kazarie, from North Woolwich, lived for 14 months “without symptoms” until he was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital on April 26, 2023.
The toddler died at around 4am the following day due to bleeding from a hole in his oesophagus – the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
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An inquest, which concluded at Poplar Coroner’s Court on February 9, deemed his death “accidental”.
Kazarie’s medical cause of death was recorded as 1a upper gastrointestinal bleed and haemorrhagic shock, 1b oesophageal tear extending to the aorta, and 1c foreign body in oesophagus.
His family described him as “an amazing, smart, funny and loving little boy”.
Coroner Mary Hassell has issued a warning to prevent any future deaths under similar circumstances.
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She raised concerns over national guidance on scanning children thought to have swallowed non-metal foreign objects, adding that they should undergo an endoscopy.
Ms Hassell wrote in her report: “I was told that there is a lack of national guidance for such a situation.
“I appreciate that there are multiple considerations in planning investigations, such as the risks associated with CT scanning and the risks associated with the administration of a general anaesthetic.
“It seems that the matter would benefit from consideration at a national level.
“In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken.”
An endoscopy is a test to look inside the body which uses a long, thin tube with a small camera.
Ms Hassell’s report was sent to the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and the Royal College of Radiologists, which have 56 days to respond.
When Kazarie died, a GoFundMe page was organised to raise money for his family.
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Organiser Bianca Lyder-Wallace said: “Kazarie was an amazing, smart, funny and loving little boy who had an old soul.
“He touched the hearts of many, and we want to give him the farewell he deserves.”
What to do if your child swallows something they shouldn’t
Step one
Calm your child down as much as possible, and try to remain calm yourself.
Step two
If your child has no symptoms and appears well, call NHS 111 and ask what you should do next.
But if they display symptoms (such as vomiting, blood, a fever or pain) or you think they might have swallowed something harmful, take them to A&E as soon as possible.
If your child is in pain or there is staining, soreness or blistering around their mouth, they have probably ingested something corrosive. Give them milk or water to sip on to ease the burning and quickly get them to hospital.
Step three
Tests will be given in hospital. This could include X-rays and pulse and breathing checks.
Your child will only be discharged once medics are happy they aren’t at high risk.
Step four
Wait for the object to pass. At least 80 per cent of foreign bodies will pass without doctors and nurses doing anything.
But some items can damage the tummy or become stuck, so you should continue to monitor your child and call 111 with any concerns.
Source: NHS
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Alice Fuller
