Prevention of Intussusception in Infants
Exclusive breastfeeding (Option D) is the best evidence-based preventive measure for intussusception in infants, as breastfed infants have significantly lower rates of intussusception compared to formula-fed infants. 1
Evidence-Based Prevention Strategy
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that breastfeeding provides protective effects against multiple gastrointestinal conditions including intussusception, with the maximum protective benefit occurring at 4 months of age—precisely when intussusception peaks in incidence. 1
Why Other Options Are Ineffective:
High fiber diet (Option B) is inapplicable and ineffective because infants in the typical age range for intussusception (peak incidence 3 months to 5 years) are primarily consuming breast milk or formula, making dietary fiber modification impossible to implement. 1
High-fiber foods are actually a risk factor for bezoar formation in certain surgical contexts, not a preventive measure for intussusception. 1
Increased physical activity (Option C) has no role in prevention as the pathophysiology of intussusception involves intestinal motility disorders and anatomical factors, not activity levels. 1
Education about early symptoms (Option A) does not prevent occurrence but rather facilitates earlier diagnosis—this is important since delays beyond 48 hours significantly increase morbidity and mortality, but it doesn't address primary prevention. 1
Important Caveat About Conflicting Evidence:
One older 1993 case-control study suggested exclusive breastfeeding might be a risk factor (relative risk 6.0), but this contradicts current guideline recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 2 The guideline evidence should take precedence, as it represents consensus expert opinion incorporating multiple studies and clinical experience. 1
Additional Risk Factor Considerations:
Research has identified that feeding practices modify intussusception risk, with infants consuming cow's milk formula without introduction of solid foods showing increased risk (OR 2.33), while those on soy-based formula with solid foods introduced for at least 5 weeks showed lower risk (OR 0.26). 3
Male sex, Hispanic or black race/ethnicity, and Medicaid enrollment are also associated with higher intussusception rates, though these are non-modifiable risk factors. 3