INTUSSUSCEPTION - A 9-YEAR SURVEY (1986-1995)

Background: Acute intussusception has different clinical features in v arious parts of the world. The goal of this study was to determine the clinical presentation in differ ent ethnic groups in Israel. Methods: A retrospective chart review of a 9-year period (1985-1995) was carri ed our at a university medical center. Data extracted included age, se x, ethnic origin, presenting symptoms and signs, the type of enema (ba rium or air), and the success rate of non-surgical reduction of the in tussusception. Results: Ninety patients suffering from intestinal obst ruction due to acute intussusception were admitted. The triad of inter mittent screaming attacks, lethargy, and vomiting was observed in 37.5 % of study subjects. The majority of patients were admitted during the warmer months of the year. The average age of the patients was 7.8 +/ - 3.7 months; 70% of them were between the ages of 4 and 9 months and 92.5% under 1 year of age. The female-to-male ratio was 1:2.1. Air ene ma was superior to the barium enema in achieving reduction (p < 0.01). The incidence in the Jewish population was similar to that observed i n other surveys, and twice that found in the Arab population in our re gion (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The overall clinical presentation of acu te intussusception found in our study does not differ from other studi es. The lower incidence of acute intussusception found in the Arab pop ulation can be explained by ethnic, genetic, or nutritional factors. ( C) 1997 Lippincott-Raven Publishers.