Intussusception epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sargun Singh Walia M.B.B.S.[2]

Intussuception is a common pediatric emergency. The incidence of intussusception is estimated to be 2000 cases in children born in USA in the first year of life. The prevalence of intussusception does not vary with geographic and demographic distribution. Males are more commonly affected by intussusception than females. Male to female ratio is approximately 3:2. Intussusception most commonly affects children between the age of 6 months and 36 months. It can occur in adults but is mostly related to an underlying pathology (lead point).

• The incidence of intussusception is estimated to be 2000 cases in children born in USA in the first year of life.^[1]

• A study was done in Spain, over a 12 year period. 94 cases were reviewed with incidence of intussusception, out of which majority were less than 1 year. Due to high rate of misdiagnosis and management, there was a high case fatality rate of 6400 per 100,000 cases.^[2]

The epidemiology of intussusception varies according to the age of the individual:^[3]

• Intussusception commonly affects children between 6 and 36 months of age.

• 60% of children affected are younger than 1 year of age.^[4]
• 80 – 90% of children are less than 2 years old. ^[5]
• 10% patients are over 5 years old.
• 3-4% patients are over 10 years old.
• 1% patients are younger than 3 months old.
• Intussusception can occur in older patients as well. When it occurs in older patients it is usually due to a lead point.
• Adults can also develop intussusception.
  • Child to adult ratio is believed to be more than 20:1.

• There is no racial predilection to intussusception.

• Males are more commonly affected by Intussusception than females. The male to female ratio is approximately 3:2 .^[6]

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