ABSTRACT
Although rare, childhood intussusception is one of the most common causes of small bowel obstruction in infancy. In these very young patients it can sometimes be difficult to interpret the clinical signs and symptoms correctly. This retrospective study comprises 79 children (median age 7.5 months; 24% girls and 76% boys) who experienced 83 episodes of intussusception. At admission the diagnosis made by the referring physicians could be confirmed in only about one-third of the cases. A barium enema was part of the inhospital diagnostic process. Non-operative treatment was attempted in 70 patients (89%), and barium enema reduction was successful in 64%. Laparotomy was required in 33 (42%) of the patients. No mortality, bowel perforation, or any other major complications were encountered. The diagnosis of childhood intussusception seems difficult to achieve in many cases, and the interpretation of, at times vague clinical signs and symptoms remains a challenge for all clinicians who are involved in the care of these very young patients.
Subject(s)
Intestine, Small , Intussusception/diagnosis , Age Factors , Child , Child, Preschool , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Incidence , Intestine, Small/physiopathology , Intussusception/epidemiology , Intussusception/therapy , Male , Norway/epidemiology , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Foetal mortality and morbidity rates are higher among pregnant diabetics than in the general population of pregnant women. From 1982 to 1990, 59 pregnant diabetics were closely supervised by a dedicated outpatient team. Throughout the pregnancies the insulin demand increased, and metabolic control improved. 78 babies were born. The perinatal mortality rate was 3.9%. Major congenital anomalies occurred in 6.4%. The presence of maternal diabetic complications was associated with a higher rate of perinatal complications. The risk of anomalies and high birth weight increased with poor metabolic control. Diabetic women of childbearing age should therefore receive advice before any planned pregnancy.
