Abused child syndrome

Overview

The paper describes a group of 9 abused children, who were treated at the Department of Neurosurgery in Pilsen. The subject matter of child abuse (physical maltreatment) is analysed on own group and on opinion of many authors. There is delay in seeking medical care without adequate reason and trustworthy explanation of cause of trauma (lack of, discrepant or implausible history). By clinical examination we can often see bruises, welts and grasp marks of various age on the face, buttock and back. Intracranial traumas are most often causes of morbidity and mortality of abused children. The subdural haematoma with or without cerebral contusion are more frequent. Among the abused children under 6 month of age there is clear defined subgroup of the „Shaken Baby Syndrome“. There are no visible external marks of the trauma in those children. There are typical retinal hemorrhages and subdural hematomas arising from bridging veins in those cases. The new entity of mechanism of injury, were the child is used as part of shielding in crossfire between fighting parents, is mentioned.

Key words:
abused child – battered child – shaken baby syndrome – intracranial injury – inflicted head injury – non-accidental injury.