Epidemiology and Clinical Profile of Intussusception in Children Aged Under 2 Years in Maharashtra, India

Intussusception has been identified as a potential adverse event following rotavirus vaccination. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of intussusception in children aged under 2 y in Maharashtra, India, following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine.

An observational study was conducted in six sentinel hospitals in Maharashtra, from January 2020 to December 2022. Children aged under 2 y with confirmed intussusception were enrolled. Data were collected on demographics, clinical presentation, rotavirus vaccination status, treatment modalities, and outcome.

Of the 506 children screened for intussusception, 270 met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. The median age of the children was 9 mo, 179 (66.3%) were male, and 211 (78.1%) had received at least one dose of rotavirus vaccine, including 27 (10%) who had received the vaccine within 21 d prior to the onset of intussusception. The incidence of intussusception was higher in infants aged 5-8 mo than in other age groups. The primary clinical manifestations were vomiting (n = 226, 83.7%), abdominal pain (n = 198, 77%), and blood in stools (n = 154, 57%). Non-surgical reduction was successful in 155 (57.4%) children, whereas 115 (42.6%) required surgery. The median length of hospital stay was 3 d, and the case fatality rate was < 1%, with two deaths reported.

This study highlights the epidemiology of intussusception in Maharashtra since the introduction of rotavirus vaccine. Ongoing monitoring of intussusception in children aged under 2 y is warranted to evaluate long-term trends and safety of the rotavirus vaccine.