Intussusception in infancy and childhood
Kuruvilla, T.T.; Naraynsingh, V.; Raju, G.C.; Manmohansingh, L.U.
Tropical and Geographical Medicine 40(4): 342-346
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-3232 PMID: 3265814 Document Number: 309576
Intussusception is the commonest cause of intestinal obstruction in childhood in Trinidad. A review of 94 consecutive cases seen at the General Hospital, Port-of-Spain, over a 12-year period (1974-1985) indicates that there had been a very rapid increase in incidence of intussusception in the last 4 years. The majority were under 1 year of age (87%) and there was a predominance in the Negro child (62%). Male to female ratio was 1.2:1. A high misdiagnosis rate (55%) lead to inappropriate treatment and delay in surgical intervention. This resulted in a high case fatality (6.4%) and complication rate. In order to minimize morbidity and mortality from intussusception steps must be taken to ensure earlier diagnosis and treatment.