Background: A need for updated information on different aspects of idiopathic intussusception resurged after the Rotashield experience. Variability of incidence rates worldwide and the possibility of a more severe outcome among infants that have intussusception at a younger age are two issues that remain unclear. We aimed to provide updated information on clinical aspects of intussusception in a large population of Chilean children <2 years of age, including a best estimate of incidence rate and a comparative analysis of the clinical evolution for children younger and older than 6 months of age.
Methods: Several sources of information were used to recollect all intussusception cases 0 to 24 months of age treated in six public pediatric hospitals of the Metropolitan area during years 2000 and 2001 and to obtain updated estimates of the population covered by these hospitals. A thorough chart review of intussusception cases was performed using a standardized case report form.
Results: A total of 50 and 45 intussusception cases were detected for 2000 and 2001, respectively, and estimated intussusception rates for children 0 to 24 months and for the subgroup <12 months of age were 35 and 32 per 100 000, and 55 and 47 per 100 000. The monthly distribution of intussusception cases differed for both years without an identifiable reason, and no association between intussusception and rotavirus infection was observed. No intussusception-associated death was recorded. Overall complications occurred in 21% of children, and infants younger than 6 months of age did not have more complications or a more prolonged hospital stay than older children.
Conclusions: Idiopathic intussusception is not uncommon among Chilean infants with incidence rates similar to those reported in the United States. There was no clear association with preexisting rotavirus infection and occurrence of complications was not related to young age.