Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics and Rotavirus Vaccination Status in Children Aged Under 2 Years
Priya Sreenivasan1, Aparna Namboodiripad2, Arun Mohanan Ainipully3
1Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. priyavineed21@gmail.com.
Insights
Rotavirus vaccination (RVV) in Kerala was linked to intussusception (IS) cases, particularly within 21 days post-vaccination. Continued surveillance is recommended to monitor this risk window during the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Vaccine Safety Surveillance
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus vaccines (RVV) have been associated with intussusception (IS) risk.
- RVV was integrated into Kerala's Universal Immunization Program (UIP) in September 2019.
- Understanding IS characteristics post-RVV introduction is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of intussusception (IS) in children hospitalized in Kerala.
- To assess the oral pentavalent rotavirus vaccination status among these children.
- To identify potential associations between RVV and IS onset.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in six tertiary-care hospitals in Kerala from September 2019 to December 2022.
- Data were collected from 727 children under 2 years old admitted with IS through interviews, medical records, and vaccination cards.
- Analysis included clinical presentation, anatomical site, treatment modalities, and vaccination history.
Main Results:
- Intussusception (IS) cases showed seasonal peaks and predominantly affected males, with vomiting and ileocolic intussusception being common.
- While most cases were successfully treated non-surgically, a significant association was found between RVV receipt and earlier onset of IS (median 8 months vs. 14 months).
- Notably, 10.8% of vaccinated children experienced IS onset within 1-21 days following RVV administration.
Conclusions:
- Intussusception (IS) exhibits seasonal patterns in Kerala.
- Surveillance for IS should continue alongside the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).
- A specific focus on the 1-21 day risk window post-rotavirus vaccination (RVV) is essential for monitoring vaccine safety.
Objectives:
Some rotavirus vaccines (RVV) have been associated with an increased risk of intussusception (IS). RVV was introduced in Kerala on September 6, 2019 through Universal Immunization Program (UIP). Aim of this study was to describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics and oral pentavalent rotavirus vaccination status in children hospitalized with IS in Kerala.
Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at six tertiary-care hospitals in Kerala between September 2019 and December 2022. Children aged under 2 y admitted with intussusception were enrolled consecutively and data collected through caregiver interviews, ultrasonography records, procedure notes, and vaccination cards.
Results:
Among 727 children, males were 62.7%; median (IQR) age at presentation was 9 (6-16) mo. Seasonal peaks occurred from January to March in 2020-2021 and April to June in 2022. Vomiting (67.7%) was the predominant presenting symptom and ileocolic (91.6%) was the most frequent anatomical site. Hydrostatic reduction (676, 93%) was the primary successful treatment modality. Surgery was performed in 51 (7%) children of whom 14 (1.9%) underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis. First, second, and third doses of RVV were received by 554, 540, and 471 children respectively. A statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) was found between median (IQR) ages (in months) at onset of intussusception of vaccinated [8 (6-14), n = 554] and unvaccinated [14 (8-19), n = 173] groups. Sixty (10.8%) out of 554 vaccinated children had onset of IS between 1 and 21 d of preceding RVV.
Conclusions:
Intussusception has a seasonal occurrence in Kerala. Surveillance of intussusception should continue in parallel with UIP specifically focusing on the risk window period between 1 and 21 d following RVV.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:08Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.