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Intussusception in infancy and childhood
Insights
Intussusception cases treated over three decades show a falling mortality rate. However, delays in diagnosing intussusception persist, impacting patient outcomes and survival.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in infants and children.
- Previous studies have documented intussusception incidence and outcomes at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow.
- Understanding trends in intussusception is crucial for improving pediatric surgical care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review intussusception cases treated over the last decade at a major pediatric hospital.
- To compare current intussusception treatment outcomes with historical data from the preceding two decades.
- To identify persistent challenges in the diagnosis and management of intussusception.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 209 intussusception cases treated over a 10-year period.
- Comparative analysis of mortality rates and diagnostic delays with data from the previous 20 years.
- Investigation into causes of death, including associated conditions like lymphosarcoma.
Main Results:
- A decrease in the overall mortality rate for intussusception was observed compared to previous decades.
- Five deaths were recorded in the recent series.
- Two deaths were attributed to disseminated lymphosarcoma, occurring months after initial intussusception presentation, highlighting diagnostic delays.
Conclusions:
- While mortality from intussusception has decreased, diagnostic delays remain a significant concern.
- Associated conditions, such as lymphosarcoma, can complicate intussusception management and outcomes.
- Continued efforts are needed to expedite the diagnosis of intussusception in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
A total of 209 cases of intussusception treated at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, in the past decade has been reviewed. The results are compared with similar reports for the two preceding decades from the same hospital. The mortality rate has fallen; there were 5 deaths in this series, 2 of these deaths occurring some months after the presentation with intussusception and death being caused by dissemination of lymphosarcoma. The continuing delay in diagnosis is apparent.