Intussusception . . . and other stories

Infection and intussusceptionIntussusception, which occurs when a part of the intestine invaginates within a more distal segment, is a common cause of acute bowel obstruction in infants. Case-control studies have implicated viruses, particularly adenovirus type C, in its causation and an oral vaccine against rotavirus had to be recalled because it increased the risk of intussusception. An ecological analysis from Australia reports that rates of idiopathic intussusception halved during pandemic lockdowns, suggesting that transmissible agents are the trigger in a substantial number of cases (Clin Infect Dis doi:10.1093/cid/ciae084).Lead poisoningLead has no physiological role in the body and even small amounts can be toxic. In the past, exposure to lead from paint and contaminated water was common but most environmental exposures have now been reduced or eliminated. However, lead continues to be widely used in ammunition and an outbreak of lead poisoning among staff at an indoor firing range in the…
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