Lethargy as a presenting symptom in patients with intussusception
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Clinical Pediatrics
|July 1, 1986
Insights
Lethargy is a key symptom in pediatric intussusception, present in half of patients upon admission. Its significance increases when combined with vomiting, melena, or abdominal mass.
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.
Abstract:
The author's experience with lethargy in pediatric patients with intussusception was reviewed retrospectively over a 10-year period and proved to be a symptom elicited on admission in half of the patients. The results indicate that lethargy is an important symptom in patients with intussusception when occurring in association with vomiting, melena, or a palpable abdominal mass, or all three.