Occurrence Pattern of Intussusception according to the Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine: An Observational Study at a University Hospital

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Rotavirus vaccine (RV) was introduced in Korea since 2007, and intussusception (IS) remains an important safety concern. This study investigated the trend of IS occurrence related to RV as well as the temporal relevance between vaccination and IS in children. METHODS: We collected data of the patient aged ≤18 years with IS admitted to Gachon University Gil Medical Center, 2003 to 2015. For the patients that have occurred since 2008, the immunization records of RV were collected. The proportion of cases <1 year was calculated by the year and the temporal relationship between vaccination and IS occurrence was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 696 IS cases were noted. The cases <1 year were 30.7% (214/696). Although the incidence of all IS has increased over the 13-year period (from 74.1 in 2003 to 89.5 in 2015, linear by linear association, P=0.003), the incidence of IS <1 year has not increased (from 56.9 in 2003 to 53.3 in 2015, P=0.910), and the proportion of cases <1 year has decreased (from 35.4 in 2003 to 18.8 in 2015, P=0.000). Of 128 cases <1 year since 2008, 53.9% received RV. In the vaccinated group, 10 cases of IS occurred within 30 days, and eight cases did within 31 to 60 days. Numbers of IS after first, second, and third dose were three, 10, and five cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of IS in children <1 year of age did not increase since the introduction of RV. Further monitoring is essential for evaluation of vaccine safety.