INTUSSUSCEPTION

"Classic triad": colicky abd. pain, vom., "currant jelly" stools--only present in 30-40% of pts

More likely in male pts and pts with rectal bleeding (Arch. Ped. Adol. Med. 154:250, 2000--AFP)

Abx may be a risk factor: 

• Case-control study of 93 pts < 4yo with intussusception and 353 age- and sex-matched controls.  Abx in prior 48h was ass'd with OR 4.15 for intussusception (sig.).  For cephalosporins the OR was 22.49 (Arch. Pediat. Adol. Med. 157:54, 2003--JW)

Dx:

• Traditionally, just barium or air enema; use if "high risk," i.e. classic triad (just heme + stools ok; currant jelly not nec.)
• US seems to be adequately sens & actually tends to give false +, but is quicker & less invasive; use as initial study if not "high risk."

(J.Peds 121:182, 8/92)