What is an early clinical sign of intussusception in infants?

• A. Intermittent abdominal pain with legs drawn up and inconsolable crying
• B. Constant mild abdominal discomfort
• C. Asymptomatic
• D. Diarrhea only

Answer: (C)

Intussusception in infants most commonly presents with episodes of intense, colicky abdominal pain that cause the baby to cry inconsolably and to draw the legs up to the abdomen. The pain tends to come in waves, with periods of relative calm in between. This waxing-and-waning pattern is a classic early clue because the bowel telescopes and briefly relieves, then recurs. Between episodes the infant may appear fairly comfortable or even appear asymptomatic, which can make the problem seem less obvious. As obstruction progresses, other signs like vomiting, pallor, and later a palpable mass or red currant jelly stools may emerge. So the earliest reliable sign to recognize is the episodic pain with leg drawing and crying, not a persistent asymptomatic state.