Medical Child Abuse (Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy): Multidisciplinary Approach from a Pediatric Gastroenterology Perspective

Medical child abuse: Medical history and red flags in French adolescents

BACKGROUND

Medical child abuse (MCA; or Munchausen syndrome by proxy) is a severe form of adult and medical maltreatment of children. Currently, few data on MCA in adolescents exist.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical characteristics and medical history of children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years with suspected or confirmed MCA in the pediatric hospital setting.

METHODS

We included patients aged 10 to 18 years who were seen in five tertiary care hospitals in the Paris area and identified by physician recall such as suspected MCA between 2015 and 2021.

RESULTS

We included 29 adolescents; the mean (SD) age was 12.9 (10.8-15.0) years at suspected diagnosis. Medical wandering was common, with a mean of 23 (12.8-33.2) alleged symptoms and 33 (9.2-56.8) specialized consultations in a mean of six different hospitals. The mean number of emergency visits was 11.8 (0-25.9) and radiologic exams 24.3 (5-43.6). Overall, 62 % (18/29) of the adolescents had an underlying organic pathology. The impact of MCA on quality of life was major, with a high rate of school dropout (96 %). The mean delay to the suspected diagnosis was 5.8 (2.6-9) years, and even when recognized, it was rarely the subject of a social or judiciary report (only 42 % of adolescents). In total, 50 % of the adolescents subsequently exhibited Munchausen syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Adolescent MCA is poorly known among the medical profession. Increasing awareness, education and knowledge of risk factors could contribute to better care.

Medical Child Welfare Task Force: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Identifying Medical Child Abuse

Medical child abuse is a complex form of maltreatment with powerful and long-lasting impacts on the overall health of affected children. The complexity of this condition renders it challenging for clinicians to recognize its presence and intervene appropriately. The failure of medical systems to identify and deescalate care in this form of maltreatment can result in grievous patient harm. Although the medical literature provides limited guidance on how to address these multifaceted cases, several studies advocate for a multidisciplinary approach. Following a severe and chronic case of medical child abuse at our institution, deficits in response became clear within our hospital system. In reaction to these gaps, the Medical Child Welfare Task Force was developed to formalize education and multidisciplinary collaboration around medical child abuse. The support of institutional leadership and the involvement of multiple medical disciplines that commonly encounter these patients was vital to the implementation and long-term success of the endeavor. To facilitate case identification, education was provided to clinicians in a variety of forums. Moreover, we leveraged the electronic medical record to streamline our ability to monitor cases of medical child abuse and communicate the concerns and plan of care to other providers, both within and outside of our health system. A postimplementation survey determined that the establishment of a multidisciplinary team increased provider comfort and skill in identifying and managing cases of suspected medical child abuse.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical and Nursing Students in Greece Regarding Child Abuse and Neglect

Data on the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare practitioners in training regarding child abuse and neglect (CAN) are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes regarding CAN of medical and nursing students in Greek universities. We performed a questionnaire-based e-survey on a convenience sample of students and recruited 609 students (366 medical and 243 nursing). An unsatisfactory level of knowledge in the field was reported overall. Most of the students (92.2%) were aware of their future responsibility to protect vulnerable children and report suspected cases of CAN; at the same time, they were willing to obtain further education. Based on the above, appropriate training in the undergraduate curriculum should be developed in order to strengthen future healthcare practitioners and boost their confidence in dealing with suspected cases of CAN and protect children's welfare.

Pulling the Wool Off Our Eyes: Medical Child Abuse

Medical child abuse (MCA) continues to remain a challenging form of abuse to recognize, diagnose, and manage. The perpetrators of MCA have some common features that may heighten the suspicion that a child is the victim of MCA. Once suspected, the development of a multidisciplinary care plan that incorporates all subspecialists and health care providers involved in the child's care is essential. A structured approach to record review can clarify the concerns and discrepancies as well assist in potential future testimony. The use of overt or covert video surveillance systems are potential modalities to aid in making the diagnosis of MCA. If called to testify, it is helpful to understand the court system. Risks to the child from MCA are great and include a high level of long-term morbidity and mortality. Understanding this diagnosis and having a plan in place to address it when suspected can prevent further harm to the child. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(8):e354-e358.].

An Overview of Munchausen Syndrome and Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen syndrome by proxy are complex diseases that are difficult to diagnose and treat. To assist in this process, an overview of diagnostic criteria with common characteristics and red flags are discussed, with case studies illustrating identification and diagnosis of these disorders. Treatment options are addressed within the context of each of these complex syndromes. The provider's knowledge of diagnostic criteria and treatment options for Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen syndrome by proxy promotes better outcomes for patients. Without an early diagnosis and intervention, the patient is at high risk for severe complications, including organ failure and mortality.

Medical Child Abuse: A Case Presenting as Anogenital Bleeding of Unknown Origin in an Older Child

BACKGROUND

Medical child abuse is a challenging diagnosis to make, particularly in older children with unusual presenting symptoms.

CASE

A 7-year-old child with complex medical history presented with anogenital bleeding of unknown origin. Extensive laboratory testing, imaging studies, and diagnostic procedures were negative for any etiology. Forensic testing confirmed the blood in her underwear was a genetic match to the patient. Trial separation from the mother was diagnostic and therapeutic in this case.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Older children who are victims of medical child abuse might present in a variety of ways, and might even collaborate with the perpetrator in falsifying symptoms. It is important to keep medical child abuse on the differential when the patient's symptoms and work-up do not match.