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In a groundbreaking study conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), it has been discovered that viral infections are closely associated with intussusception, a leading cause of bowel blockages in young children, more than previously understood.
Published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, the study analyzed 12 years of data across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, spanning from January 2010 to April 2022. The comprehensive analysis, led by MCRI and Monash University researchers, identified 5,589 cases of intussusception, with 3,179 occurring in children under the age of two.
During the COVID-19 lockdown periods, a remarkable decrease in hospital admissions for intussusception among young children was observed. In Victoria and NSW, there was a notable decline of 62.7 percent and 40.1 percent, respectively, for children under two. These reductions coincide with reduced transmission of common respiratory viruses such as colds, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Dr. Ben Townley, a researcher involved in the study, emphasized the role of respiratory diseases in triggering intussusception cases, particularly in children under two. He stated, “Intussusception is the leading cause of acute bowel obstruction in infants and young children, and without prompt diagnosis and management, can be fatal.”
The extended lockdown durations in regions like Victoria, experiencing a total of six lockdown periods totaling 263 days, provided a unique opportunity to observe the correlation between viral infections and intussusception cases.
MCRI Professor Jim Buttery highlighted the significance of the findings, noting that previous research had underestimated the impact of viral infections on intussusception. He explained, “Our analysis found common viruses play a larger role than previously recognized in triggering intussusception. Infectious triggers were thought to comprise only a minority, about 30 percent, of cases.”
Moreover, Professor Buttery suggested that emerging vaccines targeting common childhood respiratory viruses, such as the new RSV vaccines, may offer additional benefits, potentially reducing the incidence of intussusception. He drew parallels to past successes, such as the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in 2007, which not only targeted gastroenteritis but also led to a reduction in febrile convulsions in young children.
The study’s findings have significant implications for pediatric healthcare and underscore the importance of understanding the role of viral infections in childhood gastrointestinal conditions. Collaborative efforts involving researchers from Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, University of Melbourne, and Queensland Health have contributed to advancing our knowledge in this critical area of pediatric medicine.
