The use of glucagon in hydrostatic reduction of intussusception: a double-blind study of 30 patients.

Thirty patients were referred for hydrostatic reduction of ileocolic intussusception. Children with suspected gangrenous bowel or sensitivity to glucagon were excluded from the investigation. A standard protocol for the procedure was used in all patients, including the intravenous administration of glucagon or placebo (0.05 mg/kg) when the intussusception was encountered. Successful reduction was achieved in 53% of both control and glucagon-treated patients. Analysis of the length of the procedure and the ease of reduction of the intussusception indicated no difference in the two groups. This multicenter double-blind study failed to show any therapeutic value of glucagon in hydrostatic reduction of intussusception.