Trends in Intussusception-Associated Deaths among US Infants from 1979-2007

Objective We examined data from 1979-2007 to generate up-to-date baseline estimates of rotavirus intussusception mortality in US infants, to inform policy deliberations of the risks and benefits of vaccination. Study design Secular trends in the infant intussusception mortality rate were evaluated using national multiple cause-of-death and natality data from 1979-2007. Linked birth/infant death data from 1998-2006 were examined to identify risk factors for intussusception deaths. Results After declining from 1979-1996, the average annual intussusception mortality rate stabilized from 19972007 at 2.1 per 1 million live births (range, 1.0-3.0). In multivariate analysis, significant variables associated with intussusception deaths included no prenatal care (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.9-15.4) and birth order (>= 3rd) (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.4-4.4 [reference: birth order (1st)]). Conclusions Given the annual variation in intussusceptions mortality and low baseline rates, if a low vaccine-associated risk of death from intussusception exists in the United States, it would be difficult to assess using intussusception mortality trend data alone. Factors associated with intussusception mortality risk may be related to delayed or reduced health care access. (J Pediatr 2012; 160:456-60).