Clinical manifestation and treatment of intussusception in children aged 3 months and under : a single centre analysis of 38 cases.

Abstract

Background: Intussusception is the leading cause of acute abdominal conditions in infants, yet it is frequently under-recognised in those younger than 3 months, potentially resulting in serious complications such as bowel necrosis, peritonitis, or even death if not promptly treated. This retrospective study aims to enhance clinicians' understanding of the diagnosis and management of acute intussusception in this age group to prevent poor prognosis.

Methods: The clinical data of 38 infants aged ≤ 3 months diagnosed with intussusception at Wuhan Children's Hospital between January 2013 and July 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the outcome of nonoperative reduction: the successful group and the failed group. The study examined demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, imaging findings, treatment modalities, and outcomes to identify patterns and evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Results: During the study period, 12,206 children were diagnosed with intussusception, including 38 (0.31%) infants aged 3 months or younger (mean age: 73.6 days; 20 males and 18 females). The most frequently reported symptoms were vomiting (36 cases), bloody stool (27 cases), and intermittent crying (18 cases). Ultrasonography (USG) confirmed the diagnosis in 97.4% of cases. A total of 27 (71.1%) infants treated with enema reduction, with a success rate of 48.1% (13/27). Enema-related perforation occurred in 2 cases (7.4%). An additional 11 cases (28.9%) proceeded directly to laparotomy, with 5 (15.8%) diagnosed as secondary intussusception. Bowel resection was necessary in 6 of the 25 surgical cases due to necrosis. Each infant responded well to treatment and was discharged in stable condition.

Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of intussusception in infants aged 3 months and below are sometimes atypical. Early USG should be performed to make a clear diagnosis, and the effect of early intervention is satisfactory. In infants with good general condition, enema reduction can be attempted first with appropriate pressure monitoring to avoid bowel perforation.