Work

The role of glucocorticoids in recurrent idiopathic intussusception: a retrospective cohort study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of glucocorticoids in reducing short-term recurrence rate of idiopathic intussusception in pediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on children with recurrent idiopathic intussusception treated at the Emergency Center of Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2015 to January 2024. Patients who experienced three episodes of intussusception within 5 days were included. After successful fluoroscopy-guided air enema (FGAE), some children received glucocorticoids (intervention group), while others did not (control group). Recurrence rates within 14 days were compared between the groups. Lastly, delayed complications and adverse effects related to glucocorticoid use were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 10,493 FGAE sessions were performed, with 206 patients initially enrolled. Ultimately, 183 patients (124 boys, 59 girls; aged 9 months to 9 years) were included. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (18.6% vs. 46.6%, P = 0.001). Finally, no delayed complications or adverse effects related to glucocorticoid therapy were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Glucocorticoids effectively reduced recurrence rate in children with short-term recurrent idiopathic intussusception without eliciting significant adverse effects.

Source: BMC Pediatrics

DOI: 10.1186/s12887-025-06125-2