Intussusception in infancy and childhood

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.