Lethargy as a presenting symptom in patients with intussusception

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Clinical Symptomatology

Background:

• Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in infants and children.
• Early diagnosis of intussusception is crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Lethargy as a presenting symptom in pediatric intussusception requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze the incidence and significance of lethargy in pediatric intussusception.
• To identify associated symptoms that increase the diagnostic value of lethargy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of pediatric intussusception cases over a 10-year period.
• Analysis of patient records for presenting symptoms, including lethargy, vomiting, melena, and abdominal mass.

Main Results:

• Lethargy was a presenting symptom in 50% of pediatric intussusception patients.
• The presence of lethargy alongside vomiting, melena, or a palpable abdominal mass significantly increases its diagnostic importance.

Conclusions:

• Lethargy is a common and important symptom in pediatric intussusception.
• Clinicians should consider intussusception in children presenting with lethargy, especially when accompanied by vomiting, melena, or abdominal mass.