The role of glucocorticoids in recurrent idiopathic intussusception: a retrospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Clinical Therapeutics
• Medical Interventions

Background:

• Idiopathic intussusception is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants and children.
• Recurrent episodes of intussusception pose a clinical challenge, necessitating effective management strategies.
• The role of glucocorticoids in preventing short-term recurrence following reduction remains an area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of glucocorticoids in decreasing the short-term recurrence rate of idiopathic intussusception in pediatric patients.
• To assess the safety profile of glucocorticoid administration in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study included children with recurrent idiopathic intussusception treated between January 2015 and January 2024.
• Patients undergoing successful fluoroscopy-guided air enema (FGAE) were divided into intervention (glucocorticoid) and control groups.
• Short-term recurrence rates (within 14 days), delayed complications, and adverse effects were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A total of 183 pediatric patients were included in the final analysis.
• The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the glucocorticoid intervention group (18.6%) compared to the control group (46.6%) (P=0.001).
• No significant delayed complications or adverse effects were observed with glucocorticoid therapy.

Conclusions:

• Glucocorticoids demonstrate significant efficacy in reducing the short-term recurrence of idiopathic intussusception in children.
• The use of glucocorticoids in this context appears safe, with no notable adverse effects reported.
• This finding supports glucocorticoids as a beneficial adjunct therapy for managing recurrent pediatric intussusception.