Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society, Volume 67, Issue 1, 1 1 2025, Pages e70141 Is it possible to predict the spontaneous reduction of pediatric intussusception using biomarkers? Ulusoy E, Ulusoy O, Sütçüoğlu N, Küme T, Şık N, Yılmaz D, Duman M
Background
Intussusception is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain in childhood. In this study, we hypothesized that alpha-glutathione S-transferase (alpha-GST), intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (IFAB), and inflammatory markers may predict spontaneous reduction in ileocolic intussusceptions, thereby preventing unnecessary interventions.
Methods
A single-center, prospective case-control study was conducted in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Patients with ileocolic intussusception were categorized into three subgroups: spontaneous reduction, hydrostatic reduction, and those requiring surgery. Levels of Alpha-GST, IFABP, and routine inflammatory markers were measured prior to intervention.
Results
A total of 52 cases of intussusception and 26 control patients were included in the study. Spontaneous reduction occurred in seven patients, while 45 patients required intervention. A statistically significant difference was observed between the patient and control groups regarding Alpha-GST, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). However, IFABP did not show a statistically significant difference. Alpha-GST, NLR, and CRP levels were significantly higher in the group requiring intervention than in the spontaneous reduction group.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that Alpha-GST, NLR, and CRP may predict spontaneous reduction in cases of intussusception and thereby minimize the need for unnecessary interventions.
