Retrospective surveillance of intussusception in pediatric hospitals in Havana: a necessary step before the introduction of rotavirus vaccine

Evenildo Martínez Ortega — 2025-03-11

Background and Objectives: Intussusception (IS) is a common cause of bowel obstruction in children and has attracted increased attention since it was linked with the first rotavirus vaccine, Rotashield®, although many cases of intussusception self-resolve and could be fatal if not treated promptly. This study aims to provide information on clinical and epidemiology characteristics of IS among children aged < 24 months before rotavirus vaccine introduction. Methods: This is a hospital-based, retrospective review of hospital records from January 2011 to December 2020, at two largest pediatric hospitals in Havana, Cuba. Results: A total of 147 children aged less than 24 months diagnosed with intussusception were included. Most cases occurred under 1 year of age and the male was predominant. The predominant symptoms were vomiting (47.2%), irritability (31.7%), “currant jelly” bloody stool (42.5%) and abdominal pain (27.02%). A total of 69 patients were treated surgically using major manual reduction of intussusception. The postoperative complications were 8.8% and surgical site infection was the most frequent complication. None deaths were reported from both hospitals. Conclusion: Efforts should be made to complete a large-scale baseline surveillance of intussusception around the country before the introduction of rotavirus vaccine.

Gastrointestinal Tract

Retrospective surveillance of intussusception in pediatric hospitals in Havana: a necessary step before the introduction of rotavirus vaccine