What are the key clinical signs and symptoms to consider when diagnosing intussusception in children?

When considering the diagnosis of intussusception in children, several key clinical signs and symptoms should be evaluated. The classic triad of symptoms includes sudden onset of colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and the passage of bloody stools, often described as 'currant jelly' stools (Waseem and Rosenberg, 2008; Charles et al., 2015). However, it is important to note that this classic triad is only present in a minority of cases (Charles et al., 2015).

Other significant clinical indicators include the presence of a palpable sausage-shaped mass in the abdomen (Waseem and Rosenberg, 2008; Charles et al., 2015). Children may also present with lethargy, irritability, or altered mental status, particularly in infants (Waseem and Rosenberg, 2008; Charles et al., 2015). Non-specific symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, and dehydration can also occur (Charles et al., 2015).