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Intussusception in infancy and childhood
T T Kuruvilla1, V Naraynsingh, G C Raju
1Department of Surgery, General Hospital, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, West Indies.
Insights
Intussusception is a leading cause of childhood intestinal obstruction in Trinidad, with a notable rise in cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to reduce high fatality and complication rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Intussusception is the most frequent cause of intestinal obstruction in children in Trinidad.
- A significant increase in intussusception incidence was observed in the last four years of the study period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review intussusception cases in Trinidad over a 12-year period.
- To analyze incidence, demographics, misdiagnosis rates, and outcomes.
- To highlight the need for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 94 consecutive intussusception cases.
- Data collected from the General Hospital, Port-of-Spain, between 1974 and 1985.
Main Results:
- Majority of cases (87%) were in infants under one year old.
- Predominance in Black children (62%) with a male to female ratio of 1.2:1.
- A high misdiagnosis rate (55%) led to delayed surgical intervention, resulting in a 6.4% case fatality rate.
Conclusions:
- Intussusception poses a significant health challenge in childhood in Trinidad.
- High rates of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment contribute to poor outcomes.
- Implementing strategies for earlier diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
Intussusception is the commonest cause of intestinal obstruction in childhood in Trinidad. A review of 94 consecutive cases seen at the General Hospital, Port-of-Spain, over a 12-year period (1974-1985) indicates that there had been a very rapid increase in incidence of intussusception in the last 4 years. The majority were under 1 year of age (87%) and there was a predominance in the Negro child (62%). Male to female ratio was 1.2:1. A high misdiagnosis rate (55%) lead to inappropriate treatment and delay in surgical intervention. This resulted in a high case fatality (6.4%) and complication rate. In order to minimize morbidity and mortality from intussusception steps must be taken to ensure earlier diagnosis and treatment.