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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffIntussusception can cut off the blood supply to the affected portion of the intestine. If left untreated, lack of blood causes tissue of the intestinal wall to die. Tissue death can lead to a tear (perforation) in the intestinal wall, which can cause peritonitis, an infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Signs and symptoms of peritonitis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Fever
- Thirst
- Low urine output
Peritonitis may cause your child to go into shock. Signs and symptoms of shock include:
- Cool, clammy skin that may be pale or gray
- A weak and rapid pulse
- Abnormal breathing that may be either slow and shallow or very rapid
- Lackluster eyes that seem to stare blankly
- Profound listlessness
A child who is in shock may be conscious or unconscious. If you suspect your child is in shock, seek emergency medical care right away.
- Intussusception. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec19/ch275/ch275c.html?qt=intussusception&alt=sh. Accessed July 25, 2010.
- Kitigawa S, et al. Intussusception in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 20, 2010.
- Anatomic problems of the colon. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/anatomiccolon/. Accessed July 25, 2010.
- Sondheimer JM, et al. Gastrointestinal tract. In: Hay WW, Jr., et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Pediatrics. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.; McGraw Hill Medical: 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3403837. Accessed July 26, 2010.
- Rotavirus vaccine (RotaShield) and intussusception. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/rotavirus/vac-rotashield-historical.htm. Accessed July 26, 2010.
- Waseem M, et al. Intussusception. Pediatric Emergency Care. 2008;24:793.
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