Intussusception in infants and children in Jamaica

202 cases of intussusception were seen between 1964 and 1972. There are no major epidemiologic differences between intussusception in Jamaica and in more developed countries. The results in treated cases compare favorably with major series. However, the overall mortality is high and 7 cases were diagnosed at autopsy. Delay in diagnosis and treatment was the major causative factor of mortality and morbidity: 9 out of 11 deaths occurred in patients in whom the duration of illness was over 72 hr. The reasons for the delay are many and include prevailing gastroenteritis, parasitic infestation, lack of X ray facilities and personnel, and difficulties in transport. The enteric type was the most serious, with a longer history, higher resection rate, and a high morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, there were no deaths with the colocolic type which seems to occur in older children and to present earlier. A high index of suspicion and improvement in X ray facilities are necessary to improve the results.