Intussusception is a Medical Emergency

Intussusception is a very common intestinal obstruction disorder in children around the ages of 3 months to 6 years. It occurs mostly in the spring and fall. Intussusception affects 4 times as many boys as girls. An older child or an adult can get this condition but it rarely happens in these age groups. This life threatening condition is defined as the folding of a portion of the intestines unto itself in a telescope fashion. This telescoping of the intestines causes an obstruction and prevents food from passing freely into the digestive tract.

In addition the blockage will eventually cause swelling in the area which further cuts off the blood supply to the intestines. This is serious because the strangulation and lack of blood supply to the intestines can lead to:

Death of that portion of the intestines.

Gangrene, bleeding, rupture or abdominal infection (peritonitis).

CAUSES

The cause of intussusception is unknown. However, it is usually linked to an infection. It is also commonly seen in children whose relatives have had the condition as a child and in children with the following conditions:

Cystic fibrosis, dehydration, gastroenteritis, upper respiratory infection and those that have had chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A common sign is a healthy baby who suddenly starts crying loudly, straining and drawing up both knees due to a severe onset of abdominal pain.

The pain comes on and off in 10-20 minutes intervals.

The baby will be irritable, may vomit and have a fever, passing a normal stool which may be followed by a bloody, mucus, grape jelly like stool.

The pain and crying will make the baby become weak and tired, while the severity of the pain can lead to shock causing the baby to become pale and start sweating.

Intussusception is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. This condition must be treated within 24 hours.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The primary goal of treatment is to save the intestines from further damage and complications thus saving the baby's life.

Diagnosis will include a physical examination and an ultrasound or an abdominal X ray.

Treatment depends on the child's condition and the physician's choice in discussion with the parents. A barium enema or air enema will be done to further examine the obstruction. Many times the enema causes the unfolding of the intestines and corrects the condition. If the enema does not resolve the obstruction surgery will be done.

The key to having a good prognosis for a child with intussusception depends on early diagnosis and treatment. Intussusception is a medical emergency.

UCL Institute of Childcare

University of Virginia Web

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