Shaken baby syndrome: a common variant of non-accidental head injury in infants.
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Shaken baby syndrome: a common variant of non-accidental head injury in infants. / Matschke, Jakob; Herrmann, Bernd; Sperhake, Jan; Körber, Friederike; Bajanowski, Thomas; Glatzel, Markus.
In: DTSCH ARZTEBL INT, Vol. 106, No. 13, 13, 01.03.2009, p. 211-217.Research output: SCORING: Contribution to journal › SCORING: Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Shaken baby syndrome: a common variant of non-accidental head injury in infants.
AU - Matschke, Jakob
AU - Herrmann, Bernd
AU - Sperhake, Jan
AU - Körber, Friederike
AU - Bajanowski, Thomas
AU - Glatzel, Markus
PY - 2009/3/1
Y1 - 2009/3/1
N2 - BACKGROUND: Recent cases of child abuse reported in the media have underlined the importance of unambiguous diagnosis and appropriate action. Failure to recognize abuse may have severe consequences. Abuse of infants often leaves few external signs of injury and therefore merits special diligence, especially in the case of non-accidental head injury, which has high morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Selective literature review including an overview over national and international recommendations. RESULTS: Shaken baby syndrome is a common manifestation of non-accidental head injury in infancy. In Germany, there are an estimated 100 to 200 cases annually. The characteristic findings are diffuse encephalopathy and subdural and retinal hemorrhage in the absence of an adequate explanation. The mortality can be as high as 30%, and up to 70% of survivors suffer long-term impairment. Assessment of suspected child abuse requires meticulous documentation in order to preserve evidence as well as radiological, ophthalmological, laboratory, and forensic investigations. CONCLUSIONS: The correct diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome requires understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Assessment of suspected child abuse necessitates painstaking clinical examination with careful documentation of the findings. A multidisciplinary approach is indicated. Continuation, expansion, and evaluation of existing preventive measures in Germany is required.
AB - BACKGROUND: Recent cases of child abuse reported in the media have underlined the importance of unambiguous diagnosis and appropriate action. Failure to recognize abuse may have severe consequences. Abuse of infants often leaves few external signs of injury and therefore merits special diligence, especially in the case of non-accidental head injury, which has high morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Selective literature review including an overview over national and international recommendations. RESULTS: Shaken baby syndrome is a common manifestation of non-accidental head injury in infancy. In Germany, there are an estimated 100 to 200 cases annually. The characteristic findings are diffuse encephalopathy and subdural and retinal hemorrhage in the absence of an adequate explanation. The mortality can be as high as 30%, and up to 70% of survivors suffer long-term impairment. Assessment of suspected child abuse requires meticulous documentation in order to preserve evidence as well as radiological, ophthalmological, laboratory, and forensic investigations. CONCLUSIONS: The correct diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome requires understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Assessment of suspected child abuse necessitates painstaking clinical examination with careful documentation of the findings. A multidisciplinary approach is indicated. Continuation, expansion, and evaluation of existing preventive measures in Germany is required.
KW - Child Abuse
KW - Head Injuries, Closed
KW - Humans
KW - Incidence
KW - Infant
KW - Infant, Newborn
KW - Shaken Baby Syndrome
KW - Survival Rate
KW - Terminology as Topic
U2 - 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0211
DO - 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0211
M3 - SCORING: Journal article
C2 - 19471629
VL - 106
SP - 211
EP - 217
JO - DTSCH ARZTEBL INT
JF - DTSCH ARZTEBL INT
SN - 1866-0452
IS - 13
M1 - 13
ER -