Related Experiment Videos
Childhood intussusception in Benin City, Nigeria
Insights
Childhood intussusception in developing countries often presents late, leading to high fatality rates. Early diagnosis and barium hydrostatic reduction are crucial for effective treatment in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in infants and young children.
- Delayed presentation significantly increases morbidity and mortality in pediatric intussusception cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical and radiological features of childhood intussusception.
- To evaluate the utility of radiological methods in diagnosis and treatment selection.
- To advocate for barium hydrostatic reduction in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 24 childhood intussusception cases.
- Clinical data review including symptoms and age at presentation.
- Radiological assessment for diagnostic confirmation and treatment planning.
Main Results:
- Most cases (79%) occurred in children under one year old.
- Common symptoms included vomiting (87%), bloody stools (62%), and abdominal pain (50%).
- Ascariasis was the most frequent etiological agent identified.
Conclusions:
- Radiological examinations are vital for selecting patients for barium hydrostatic reduction.
- Barium hydrostatic reduction is a recommended treatment for intussusception in developing countries.
- Late hospital presentation is a major contributor to the high fatality rate (25%).
Abstract:
The clinical and radiological features of 24 cases of childhood intussusception presenting at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital are analysed. Nineteen (79%) children presented before the age of one year and the main symptoms were vomiting 87%, passage of bloody stool 62%, abdominal pain 50% and palpable abdominal mass 33%. The commonest aetiologic agent was ascariasis which was seen in three children. Radiological examination was found most useful in selecting patients for barium hydrostactic reduction, and a case is made for the use of the latter procedure in the treatment of childhood intussusception in developing countries. The high case fatality rate of 25% is related to the late presentation of children to hospital.