Biomarker-Based Prediction of Treatment Outcomes in Pediatric Intussusception: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background/Objectives: Intussusception is a common pediatric emergency characterized by bowel telescoping, often leading to ischemia, necrosis, and perforation if untreated. Early identification of prognostic biomarkers could improve management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the association between admission biomarkers and treatment outcomes in children with intussusception, to identify potential predictors. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 141 pediatric patients diagnosed with intussusception over ten years. Patients were stratified into three groups based on treatment outcome: spontaneous resolution, hydrostatic reduction, or surgery. Data collected included demographic, clinical, radiological, and laboratory parameters. Results: Among the cohort, 34% experienced spontaneous resolution, 27.7% underwent hydrostatic reduction, and 38.3% required surgery. Biomarkers such as erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets differed significantly across groups. Multivariate analysis identified erythrocyte count, platelet count, and potassium as variables independently associated with surgical management. Lower erythrocyte counts, higher platelet counts, and lower potassium were associated with increased likelihood of surgical intervention. The erythrocyte count, platelet count, and serum potassium showed ROC AUCs of 0.64, 0.65, and 0.70, respectively. Conclusions: Admission erythrocyte count, platelet count, and serum potassium were independently associated with the need for surgery but each showed only modest standalone discrimination. They are therefore best regarded as candidate variables for multivariable or composite predictive models rather than as standalone, clinically actionable triage markers. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate their incremental value within such models.