Recurrent intussusception. Risks and features.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the risk factors associated with recurrent intussusception (RI) and to characterize the timing, features, and complications of RI.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Seattle, Wash.


METHODS
All patients with a diagnosis of intussusception who underwent barium enema as treatment for reduction between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1990. Children with RI (N = 23, seven with two or more recurrent episodes) were classified as the case group; children with a single intussusception (N = 234), controls.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, race, symptoms, duration of symptoms, or results of the physical examination between the case group and controls. Reduction of the initial intussusception by a barium enema occurred in 96% of patients in the case group vs 62% of the controls (odds ratio, 13.50; 95% confidence intervals, 2.10 to 563.4; P = .003). Only one of 33 episodes of RI followed an operative reduction. In comparing the first recurrent episode with the initial episode, there was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients presenting with lethargy (0% vs 30%; Fisher Exact Test, P = .009) or blood in the stool (5% vs 52%; P < .002) and a drop in the median duration of symptoms from 20 to 6 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Recurrent intussusception cannot be predicted by presenting features or symptoms; operative reduction due to a failed reduction by a barium enema reduces the risk of RI; and patients with RI have fewer symptoms with a shorter duration.
Champoux
A N
AN
Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle.
Del Beccaro
M A
MA
Nazar-Stewart
V
V
D000293:Adolescent; D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003663:Decision Trees; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007443:Intussusception / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008551:Melena / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012894:Sleep Stages; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001466:Barium Sulfate