Teachable Moments - Pediatrics

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Intussusception

• Intussusception is the telescoping or prolapse of one portion of the bowel into an immediately adjacent segment.
• 90 % occur at the terminal ileum (ie, ileocolic).
• Male-to-female ratio is approximately 3:1.
• Usually seen between 5-9 months of age and 66% of all cases are in the first year of life.
• The classic triad of colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and red currant jelly stools occurs in only 21% of cases
• Currant jelly stools are observed in only 50% of cases.
• Most patients (75%) without obviously bloody stools have stools that test positive for occult blood.
• If intussusception is strongly suspected, perform a contrast or air enema without delay.
• Mortality with treatment is 1-3%.
• If untreated, this condition is uniformly fatal in 2-5 days.