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Harris S, Chinnery HR, Semple BD, Mychasiuk R. Shaking Up Our Approach: The Need for Characterization and Optimization of Pre-clinical Models of Infant Abusive Head Trauma. J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:1853-1870. [PMID: 38497766 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a large societal and individual burden. In the first year of life, the vast majority of these injuries are the result of inflicted abusive events by a trusted caregiver. Abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants, formerly known as shaken baby syndrome, is the leading cause of inflicted mortality and morbidity in this population. In this review we address clinical diagnosis, symptoms, prognosis, and neuropathology of AHT, emphasizing the burden of repetitive AHT. Next, we consider existing animal models of AHT, and we evaluate key features of an ideal model, highlighting important developmental milestones in children most vulnerable to AHT. We draw on insights from other injury models, such as repetitive, mild TBIs (RmTBIs), post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), hypoxic-ischemic injuries, and maternal neglect, to speculate on key knowledge gaps and underline important new opportunities in pre-clinical AHT research. Finally, potential treatment options to facilitate healthy development in children following an AHT are considered. Together, this review aims to drive the field toward optimized, well-characterized animal models of AHT, which will allow for greater insight into the underlying neuropathological and neurobehavioral consequences of AHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Harris
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Holly R Chinnery
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
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Blangis F, Drouin J, Launay E, Miranda S, Zureik M, Cohen JF, Weill A, Dray-Spira R, Chalumeau M. Maternal, prenatal and postnatal risk factors for early child physical abuse: a French nationwide cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2024; 42:100921. [PMID: 39070743 PMCID: PMC11281928 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Background Identifying risk factors for early child physical abuse (CPA) is crucial for understanding its mechanisms and defining effective preventive interventions. We aimed to identify maternal, prenatal and postnatal factors associated with early CPA. Methods This cohort study was based on comprehensive data from the Mother-Child EPI-MERES nationwide register and included all infants born alive in France between 2010 and 2019. Factors associated with early CPA (before age 1) were identified with a multilevel Cox regression model with random intercepts at the regional level. Findings Among the 6,897,384 included infants, 2994 (40/100,000) had a diagnosis of early CPA, at a median age of 4 months. Independent factors most strongly associated with early CPA were maternal low financial resources (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.91; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.67-2.18), maternal age <20 years versus 35-40 years (aHR 7.06; 95% CI 6.00-8.31), maternal alcohol use disorder (aHR 1.85; 95% CI 1.48-2.31), opioid use disorder (aHR 1.90; 95% CI 1.41-2.56), intimate partner violence (aHR 3.33; 95% CI 2.76-4.01), diagnosis of a chronic mental disorder (aHR 1.50; 95% CI 1.14-1.97) or somatic disorder (aHR 1.55; 95% CI 1.32-1.83), hospitalisation for a mental disorder (aHR 1.88; 95% CI 1.49-2.36), very preterm birth (aHR 2.15; 95% CI 1.68-2.75), and diagnosis of a chronic severe neurocognitive disorder in the infant (aHR 14.37; 95% CI 11.85-17.44). Interpretation Independent risk factors of early CPA identified at the national level in France may help in understanding CPA mechanisms and developing effective prevention programs including risk-stratification tools to optimise the allocation of parenting interventions to parents who could most benefit from them. Funding Ile-de-France regional council, L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science France Young Talent Award, French National Observatory for Child Protection [ONPE], French Association of Ambulatory Paediatrics [AFPA], HUGO university hospitals network, Mustela Foundation and Sauver la Vie prizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Blangis
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM), French National Health Insurance (CNAM), F-93200, Saint-Denis, France
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, F-75014, Paris, France
- Inserm CIC 1413, Nantes University Hospital, F-44000, Nantes, France
- Child Protection Unit - Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, AP-HP, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Drouin
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM), French National Health Insurance (CNAM), F-93200, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Elise Launay
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, F-75014, Paris, France
- Inserm CIC 1413, Nantes University Hospital, F-44000, Nantes, France
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Nantes University Hospital, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Sara Miranda
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM), French National Health Insurance (CNAM), F-93200, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Mahmoud Zureik
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM), French National Health Insurance (CNAM), F-93200, Saint-Denis, France
- Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, F-78180, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Jérémie F. Cohen
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, F-75014, Paris, France
- Child Protection Unit - Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, AP-HP, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Alain Weill
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM), French National Health Insurance (CNAM), F-93200, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Rosemary Dray-Spira
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group, French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM), French National Health Insurance (CNAM), F-93200, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Martin Chalumeau
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, F-75014, Paris, France
- Child Protection Unit - Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, AP-HP, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, F-75015, Paris, France
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Ahmad D, Small A, Gibson A, Kissoon N. Developmental outcomes in abusive head trauma. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2024; 50:101142. [PMID: 38964813 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2024.101142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is associated with high mortality and poorer outcomes compared to accidental head injuries. The short and long-term developmental outcomes for AHT are not well identified. Variability in outcome measures, small sample sizes, difficulty in measuring domain-specific developmental skills, co-existence of comorbidities, genetic and environmental factors and high attrition rates all contribute to the challenges on providing data in this area. The objective of this article is to review the scientific literature on the developmental outcomes of AHT, highlighting factors that affect outcomes, the available assessment tools, and short and long-term developmental outcomes, recommended follow up, societal costs, and future opportunities for research. Authors searched OVID Medline and PubMed for articles published between 2013 and 2023 using the terms "abuse", "craniocerebral trauma" and "development". Fifty-five records were included for this review. The data shows that injuries sustained from AHT result in a spectrum of outcomes ranging from normal development to death. There are more than 100 outcome assessment tools limiting the ability to compare studies. More than half of patients are left with disabilities post discharge. Gross motor and cognition/academics are the 2 most common domains studied. Advancement in surgical and neurocritical care management has influenced AHT outcomes. Close long-term follow up is recommended to maximize each child's developmental potential, irrespective of the presence of disability at discharge. We suggest that future research should focus on adopting a consistent diagnostic and assessment approach and explore the social environmental factors that can affect recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Ahmad
- UTHealth Houston (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), USA.
| | | | - Ashley Gibson
- UTHealth Houston (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), USA
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Augustin M, Wenzel AS, Licata-Dandel M, Breeman LD, Bilgin A, Wolke D, Ziegler M, Mall V, Friedmann A. App-based intervention for parents of children with crying, sleeping, and feeding problems: Usability, usefulness and implications for improvement. Internet Interv 2024; 35:100700. [PMID: 38221943 PMCID: PMC10784306 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is a lack of evidence-based app guidance for parents of children with crying, sleeping, and feeding problems who are often highly burdened and not likely to seek professional help. A new psychoeducational app for parents providing scientifically sound information via text and videos, a diary function, selfcare strategies, a chat forum and a regional directory of specialized counseling centers may serve as a low-threshold intervention for this target group. Objective We investigated how parents perceived the app in terms of the following: (1) overall impression and usability, (2) feedback on specific app functions regarding usefulness and (3) possible future improvements. Methods Our clinical sample of N = 137 parents of children aged from 0 to 24 months was recruited from a cry baby outpatient clinic in Southern Germany between 2019 and 2022. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used to collect and analyse cross-sectional data on app evaluation. After app use within the framework of a clinical trial, parents filled in an app evaluation questionnaire. Results Most participants used the app at least once a week (86, 62.8 %) over an average period of 19.06 days (SD = 15.00). Participants rated overall impression and usability as good, and the informational texts, expert videos and regional register of counseling centers as appealing and useful. The diary function and chat forum were found to be helpful in theory, but improvements in implementation were requested, such as a timer function for the diary entry. Regarding future functionality, parents posed several suggestions such as the option to contact counseling centers directly via app, and the inclusion of the profile of their partners. Conclusions Positive ratings of overall impression, usability, and specific app functions are important prerequisites for the app to be effective. App-based guidance for this target group should include easy-to-use information. The app is intended to serve as a secondary preventive low-threshold offer and to complement professional counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Augustin
- Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Heiglhofstr. 65, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Sophie Wenzel
- Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Heiglhofstr. 65, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Licata-Dandel
- Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Heiglhofstr. 65, 81377 Munich, Germany
- kbo-Kinderzentrum Munich, Heiglhofstr. 65, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Charlotte-Fresenius-University, Infanteriestr.11a, 80797 Munich, Germany
| | - Linda D. Breeman
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ayten Bilgin
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Dieter Wolke
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7HL, United Kingdom
| | - Margret Ziegler
- kbo-Kinderzentrum Munich, Heiglhofstr. 65, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Mall
- Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Heiglhofstr. 65, 81377 Munich, Germany
- kbo-Kinderzentrum Munich, Heiglhofstr. 65, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Friedmann
- Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Heiglhofstr. 65, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Chen HH, Wang IA, Hsieh TW, Tsay JH, Chen CY. Early predictors for maltreatment-related injuries in infancy and long-term mortality: a population-based study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2232. [PMID: 37957616 PMCID: PMC10641954 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Incidence, health consequences, and social burden associated with child maltreatment appeared to be borne disproportionately by very young children. We conducted a population-based data linkage study to explore child- and family-level factors that affect receiving different diagnoses of maltreatment injuries and investigate excessive mortality throughout toddlerhood. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study comprising 2.2 million infants born in 2004-2014 in Taiwan. Incident cases of child maltreatment were defined by hospitalization or emergency department visits for three heterogeneous diagnostic groups of maltreatment-related injuries (i.e., maltreatment syndrome, assaults, and undetermined causes) within 12 months after birth. The generalized linear model and landmark survival analyses were used to evaluate risk factors. RESULTS An estimated 2.9‰ of infants experienced at least one maltreatment-related injury, with a three-year mortality rate of 1.3%. Low birthweight was associated with increased risk of receiving the diagnosis of three maltreatment injuries, particularly maltreatment syndrome (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio [aIRR] = 4.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.93-5.68). Socially advantaged family condition was inversely linked with receiving the diagnosis of maltreatment syndrome and assaults (e.g., high income: aIRR = 0.55 and 0.47), yet positively linked with undetermined cause (aIRR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.89-2.23). For infants exposed to maltreatment, low birth weight and non-attendance of postnatal care were highly predictive of fatality; low birthweight served as a vital predictor for premature death during toddlerhood (aIRR = 6.17, 95% CI: 2.36-15.4). CONCLUSIONS Raising awareness of maltreatment-related injuries in infancy and predictors should be a priority for appropriate follow-up assessment and timely intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hung Chen
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Medical Building II, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, The Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-An Wang
- Center of Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Tan-Wen Hsieh
- Center of Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Huoy Tsay
- Department of Social Work, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Medical Building II, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
- Center of Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan.
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Liu YC, Chen IC, Yin HL, Wu YH, Lo SH, Liang WC, Jaw TS, Dai ZK, Hsu JH. Comparisons of characteristics and outcome between abusive head trauma and non-abusive head trauma in a pediatric intensive care unit. J Formos Med Assoc 2023; 122:1183-1188. [PMID: 37268475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the leading cause of death in infants with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Early recognition of AHT is important for improving outcomes, but it can be challenging due to its similar presentations with non-abusive head trauma (nAHT). This study aims to compare clinical presentations and outcomes between infants with AHT and nAHT, and to identify the risk factors for poor outcomes of AHT. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed infants of TBI in our pediatric intensive care unit from January 2014 to December 2020. Clinical manifestations and outcomes were compared between patients with AHT and nAHT. Risk factors for poor outcomes in AHT patients were also analyzed. RESULTS 60 patients were enrolled for this analysis, including 18 of AHT (30%) and 42 of nAHT (70%). Compared with those with nAHT, patients with AHT were more likely to have conscious change, seizures, limb weakness, and respiratory failure, but with a fewer incidence of skull fractures. Additionally, clinical outcomes of AHT patients were worse, with more cases undergoing neurosurgery, higher Pediatric Overall Performance Category score at discharge, and more anti-epileptic drug (AED) use after discharge. For AHT patients, conscious change is an independent risk factor for a composite poor outcome of mortality, ventilator dependence, or AED use (OR = 21.9, P = 0.04) CONCLUSION: AHT has a worse outcome than nAHT. Conscious change, seizures and limb weaknesses but not skull fractures are more common in AHT. Conscious change is both an early reminder of AHT and a risk factor for its poor outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ching Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Chen Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ling Yin
- Department of Clinical Forensic Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsien Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsing Lo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chen Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Twei-Shiun Jaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Imaging, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Zen-Kong Dai
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jong-Hau Hsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Bozer JJ, Gruber MD, Letson MM, Crichton KG, Rice CE, Qureshi N, Leonard JR, Sribnick EA. Long-Term Functional Outcome Following Neurosurgical Intervention for Suspected Abusive Head Trauma. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 148:101-107. [PMID: 37699270 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional and neurodevelopmental outcomes in pediatric patients who underwent neurosurgical intervention following suspected abusive head trauma (AHT). METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective review (January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2019) of patients aged less than three years who had intracranial injury suspicious for AHT and received a neurosurgical procedure. Long-term functional outcome was measured using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC), Pediatric Overall Performance Category (POPC), and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL). RESULTS Seventy-seven patients were identified; 53 survived to discharge and had at least one-year follow-up. To examine long-term functional outcome, PCPC at the last available visit was examined and found to be 1 or 2 (normal to mild disability) for 64% of patients and 3 or 4 (moderate to severe disability) for 36%. The last available MSEL composite score for neurodevelopmental assessment also demonstrated that 13% of patients scored in the "average" range, 17% in the "below average" range, and 70% in the "very low" range. There was no statistical difference in the last available PCPC or POPC score or the last available MSEL score for patients who received a craniotomy when compared with those who received an intracranial shunt. CONCLUSIONS For patients with AHT who survived to discharge, functional improvements over time were noted in both patients who received craniotomy or who simply required shunt placement. These results suggest that, for patients who survive to discharge, operative management of AHT can lead to reasonable long-term functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J Bozer
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Maxwell D Gruber
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Megan M Letson
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kristin G Crichton
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Courtney E Rice
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Jeffrey R Leonard
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Neurosurgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Eric A Sribnick
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Neurosurgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
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Augustin M, Licata-Dandel M, Breeman LD, Harrer M, Bilgin A, Wolke D, Mall V, Ziegler M, Ebert DD, Friedmann A. Effects of a Mobile-Based Intervention for Parents of Children With Crying, Sleeping, and Feeding Problems: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e41804. [PMID: 36897641 PMCID: PMC10039405 DOI: 10.2196/41804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive crying, sleeping, and feeding problems in early childhood are major stressors that can result in parents feeling socially isolated and having low self-efficacy. Affected children are a risk group for being maltreated and developing emotional and behavioral problems. Thus, the development of an innovative and interactive psychoeducational app for parents of children with crying, sleeping, and feeding problems may provide low-threshold access to scientifically based information and reduce negative outcomes in parents and children. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate whether following the use of a newly developed psychoeducational app, the parents of children with crying, sleeping, or feeding problems experienced less parenting stress; gained more knowledge about crying, sleeping, and feeding problems; and perceived themselves as more self-effective and as better socially supported and whether their children's symptoms decreased more than those of the parents who did not use the app. METHODS Our clinical sample consisted of 136 parents of children (aged 0-24 months) who contacted a cry baby outpatient clinic in Bavaria (Southern Germany) for an initial consultation. Using a randomized controlled design, families were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (IG; 73/136, 53.7%) or a waitlist control group (WCG; 63/136, 46.3%) during the usual waiting time until consultation. The IG was given a psychoeducational app that included evidence-based information via text and videos, a child behavior diary function, a parent chat forum and experience report, tips on relaxation, an emergency plan, and a regional directory of specialized counseling centers. Outcome variables were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline test and posttest. Both groups were compared at posttest regarding changes in parenting stress (primary outcome) and secondary outcomes, namely knowledge about crying, sleeping, and feeding problems; perceived self-efficacy; perceived social support; and child symptoms. RESULTS The mean individual study duration was 23.41 (SD 10.42) days. The IG reported significantly lower levels of parenting stress (mean 83.18, SD 19.94) after app use compared with the WCG (mean 87.46, SD 16.67; P=.03; Cohen d=0.23). Furthermore, parents in the IG reported a higher level of knowledge about crying, sleeping, and feeding (mean 62.91, SD 4.30) than those in the WCG (mean 61.15, SD 4.46; P<.001; Cohen d=0.38). No differences at posttest were found between groups in terms of parental efficacy (P=.34; Cohen d=0.05), perceived social support (P=.66; Cohen d=0.04), and child symptoms (P=.35; Cohen d=0.10). CONCLUSIONS This study provides initial evidence of the efficacy of a psychoeducational app for parents with child crying, sleeping, and feeding problems. By reducing parental stress and increasing knowledge of children's symptoms, the app has the potential to serve as an effective secondary preventive measure. Additional large-scale studies are needed to investigate long-term benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00019001; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00019001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Augustin
- Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Licata-Dandel
- Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- kbo-Kinderzentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Linda D Breeman
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mathias Harrer
- Psychology & Digital Mental Health Care, Department of Sports and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute for Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ayten Bilgin
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Dieter Wolke
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Volker Mall
- Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- kbo-Kinderzentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - David Daniel Ebert
- Psychology & Digital Mental Health Care, Department of Sports and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Friedmann
- Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Traumatic head injury due to child maltreatment: epidemiology, cost analysis, and impact of prevention. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:2281-2287. [PMID: 35680684 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05560-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic head injury due to child maltreatment (THI-CM), also known as abusive head trauma (AHT), is a significant public health problem due to the wide array of consequences affecting multiple domains of a child's health and development. Several studies have evaluated its cost on healthcare systems, families, and societies. Many jurisdictions have implemented caregiver education programs to prevent THI-CM. OBJECTIVES This paper aims to provide a brief overview of the epidemiology and cost analysis of THI-CM and discuss its prevention and the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment. METHODS Although not systematic, a literature search of original articles published from 2000 to 2022 in English and French was undertaken using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), and PsycINFO (OVID). The search combined terms related to traumatic head injury and child maltreatment, with terms related to its cost and prevention. Studies of children aged 0-5 years old were included. The authors completed a screen of the titles and abstracts to determine relevance with respect to this article. RESULTS Globally, although THI-CM accounts for a small proportion of cases of child maltreatment, there is a high incidence of death and neurological sequelae compared to other causes of head trauma.The incidence of THI-CM is likely underestimated due to the lack of standardized definitions, differences in reporting, and challenges in identifying less severe cases. Cost analysis studies reveal the significant short- and long-term costs associated with THI-CM. Caregiver education programs have been studied and implemented in many centers and have shown varying but promising results. CONCLUSION A multi-pronged approach to prevention efforts should be considered to support families and help to prevent THI-CM and maltreatment throughout childhood.
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Identifying abusive head trauma and its mimics: diagnostic nuances. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:2311-2315. [PMID: 36690736 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-05845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the most serious injury inflicted to the nervous system of neonate an infant with a high incidence of disabilities. The authors present two cases in which the initial manifestations and neurologic status were misinterpreted and stress that clinical presentation and imaging can be variable and confuse the examiner. DISCUSSION Subdural hemorrhage (SDH) in this age group raises high suspicion of non-accidental trauma but have been reported in other situations such as several bleeding disorders. Although rare, hematological diseases should be considered when other data of maltreatment are lacking. CONCLUSION Differential diagnosis is important to avoid underdiagnosing AHT and to prevent morbidity if a pre-existing hematological disease is misdiagnosed.
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Primalani NK, Chan YH, Ng ZM, Chong SL, Seow WT, Loh LE, Mok YH, Low SYY. Abusive head injury in the very young: outcomes from a Singapore children's hospital. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:2397-2407. [PMID: 35851614 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05572-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a serious problem in children. The aims of this study are to identify risk factors that correlate with outcomes for those requiring neurosurgical intervention for very young children with AHT, assessment of variables associated with outcomes, and corroboration of our results with literature. METHODS This is an ethics-approved, retrospective study. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients aged 2 years old or less with a diagnosis of AHT managed by the Neurosurgical Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Demographical and clinical variables are incorporated in the statistical analyses. Logistic regression was applied to statistically significant variables for the risk prediction model. RESULTS From 2000 to 2020, 24 patients required surgery for AHT. Timepoint was set at 12 months post-diagnosis. Univariate analyses demonstrated that patients with mild TBI were likely to have a favourable GOS-E Peds (p = 0.01), whereas radiological presence of cerebral oedema (p < .001), development of scar epilepsy (p = 0.021), and progression to cerebral palsy (p = 0.001) were associated with unfavourable GOS-E Peds. CONCLUSION This is the first study focused on neurosurgical outcomes for very young children with AHT in Singapore. We advocate multidisciplinary efforts to improve outcomes for this devastating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD11, Clinical Research Centre, #02-03 (c/o CBmE Office), 10 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Zhi Min Ng
- Neurology Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu-Ling Chong
- Children's Emergency, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wan Tew Seow
- Neurosurgical Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore.,Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,SingHealth Duke-NUS Neuroscience Academic Clinical Program, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Lik Eng Loh
- Children's Intensive Care Unit, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
| | - Yee Hui Mok
- Children's Intensive Care Unit, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
| | - Sharon Y Y Low
- Neurosurgical Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore. .,Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore. .,SingHealth Duke-NUS Neuroscience Academic Clinical Program, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.
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Aydın SO, Etli MU, Köylü RC, Varol E, Yaltırık CK, Ramazanoğlu AF. Factors Associated with Nontraumatic Spontaneous Subdural Hematomas in Pediatric Patients. Neuropediatrics 2022. [PMID: 35793697 DOI: 10.1055/a-1893-2559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In our study, we aimed to summarize the etiology of subdural hematoma that was not traumatic and required operation in pediatric patients. The subdural hematoma characteristics, possible etiologies, and treatment, as well as the patient outcomes, were analyzed. METHODS A retrospective examination was made of pediatric patients with subdural hematoma who were operated on at Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital. Patients with a history of trauma were excluded. Data on patient sex, age, bleeding location, type of hematoma based on computed tomography imaging, surgical treatment, presenting symptoms, presence of comorbidities, Glasgow Coma Scale, thrombocyte counts, and international normalized ratio values were recorded. RESULTS Of the 19 patients included in the study, 4 were female and 15 were male. Their ages ranged between 0 and 15 (mean = 5.84) years. In 57.8% of the patients, comorbidities, including acute myeloid leukemia, a history of shunt operation, epilepsy, mucopolysaccharidosis, known subdural effusion, autism, coagulopathy, ventricular septal defect/tetralogy of Fallot, cerebrospinal fluid leakage after baclofen pump administration, Marfan's syndrome, and late neonatal sepsis were present, while 21% had arachnoid cysts and 21% had no reported comorbidities. CONCLUSION This study suggests that, in pediatric patients with subdural hematoma with an amount of bleeding requiring surgical management, any underlying comorbidities should be investigated regardless of the presence of a history of trauma. While investigating systemic diseases, special attention should be paid to the presence of arachnoid cysts or disruption in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics along with a history of hematologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Onur Aydın
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Umut Etli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Reha Can Köylü
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Eyüp Varol
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cumhur Kaan Yaltırık
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Fatih Ramazanoğlu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Comparative study of brain damage and oxidative stress using two animal models of the shaken baby syndrome. Exp Gerontol 2022; 166:111874. [PMID: 35779807 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective was compare the morphological damages in brain and to evaluate the participation of oxidative stress, using two animal models of shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Five-day-old Wistar rats were used to develop two models of SBS as follows: Gyrotwister (GT) group was subjected to low intensity, high duration rotating movements and Ratshaker (RS) group made to undergo high intensity, low duration anteroposterior movements. Both groups presented respiratory distress, weight loss and shorter stature compared with the control group. In addition, involuntary movements occurred in both experimental models. Hemorrhage was observed in 10 % of the GT group and in 40 % of the RS group. This last group experienced lesser weight gain at 30 days. Glutathione decreased by 25.7 % (GT) and 59.96 (RT). Cell data analysis revealed the presence of crenate and pyknotic cells, characterized by apparent absence of nucleus and nucleolus as well as vacuolation in the GT group. In the RS group, there were a high number of angular, pyknotic and shrunken cells, and a lot of vacuolization. The severity of the brain damage can be related to the magnitude of biochemical modifications, specifically, those related to the production of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species, oxidative stress, oxidative damage.
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Hymel KP, Fingarson AK, Pierce MC, Kaczor K, Makoroff KL, Wang M. External Validation of the PediBIRN Screening Tool for Abusive Head Trauma in Pediatric Emergency Department Settings. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:269-272. [PMID: 35267249 PMCID: PMC9156553 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
METHODS We conducted a retrospective, secondary analysis of an existing, deidentified, prospective data set captured to derive a bruising CDR. Subjects were patients under 3 years with bruising and confirmed acute head trauma. An expert medical panel had previously identified patients with AHT. Measures of the CDR's AHT screening performance (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Expert medical panel members had classified 78 of 117 eligible patients (67%) as AHT, 38 (33%) as non-AHT, and 1 as indeterminate. Excluding the indeterminate case, the PediBIRN-4 demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.88-0.99), specificity of 0.29 (95% CI, 0.16-0.46), positive likelihood ratio of 1.35 (95% CI, 1.10-1.67), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.13 (95% CI, 0.04-0.46). Close inspection of the data revealed that 1 of the CDR's predictor variables had lowered specificity without impacting sensitivity. Eliminating this variable would have increased specificity to 0.84 (95% CI, 0.68-0.93). CONCLUSIONS The PediBIRN 4-variable CDR demonstrated AHT screening sensitivity in the pediatric ED equivalent to pediatric intensive care unit and other inpatient settings, but lower specificity. Further study of a simplified 3-variable PediBIRN AHT screening tool for the ED setting is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent P. Hymel
- Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, Hershey, PA
| | - Amanda K. Fingarson
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Mary Clyde Pierce
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Kim Kaczor
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Kathi L. Makoroff
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
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15
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Amick M, Bentivegna K, Hunter AA, Leventhal JM, Livingston N, Bechtel K, Holland ML. Child maltreatment-related children's emergency department visits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 128:105619. [PMID: 35364466 PMCID: PMC8958138 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies of national emergency department (ED) data demonstrate a decrease in visits coded for physical abuse during the pandemic period. However, no study to date has examined the incidence of multiple child maltreatment types (physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect), within a single state while considering state-specific closure policies. Furthermore, no similar study has utilized detailed chart review to identify cases, nor compared hospital data to Child Protective Services (CPS) reports. OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of child maltreatment-related ED visits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, including characterizing the type of maltreatment, severity, and CPS reporting. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Children younger than 18 years old at two tertiary-care, academic children's hospitals in X state. METHODS Maltreatment-related ED visits were identified by ICD-10-CM codes and keywords in chief concerns and provider notes. We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective review of ED visits and child abuse consultations during the pre-COVID (1/1/2019-3/15/2020) and COVID (3/16/2020-8/31/2020) periods, as well as state-level CPS reports for suspected maltreatment. RESULTS Maltreatment-related ED visits decreased from 15.7/week in the matched pre-COVID period (n = 380 total) to 12.3/week (n = 296 total) in the COVID period (P < .01). However, ED visits (P < .05) and CPS reports (P < .001) for child neglect increased during this period. Provider notes identified 62.4% of child maltreatment ED visits, while ICD-10 codes identified only-CM captured 46.8%. CONCLUSION ED visits for physical and sexual abuse declined, but neglect cases increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in X state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amy A Hunter
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA; Injury Prevention Center, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - John M Leventhal
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nina Livingston
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Kirsten Bechtel
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Mehta N, Bliss L, Trolard A, Kondis JS. The Relationship Between Temperature and Temporal Patterns and Incidence of Abusive Head Trauma in a Midwest Region Hospital. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:194-201. [PMID: 35081795 DOI: 10.1177/10775595211072825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a leading cause of death and disability in children and one of the most lethal forms of child abuse. Most known risk factors for AHT pertain to the infant's caregiver and limited research has assessed external influences beyond the familial or caregiver/infant dyad. Objective: Our primary objective was to determine if temperature patterns are associated with AHT events. Secondary outcomes included associations between AHT and specific days of the week, months, or seasons. Methods: This was a retrospective review of 198 patients under 24 months old who were diagnosed with AHT at Saint Louis Children's Hospital. Demographic information was obtained from the medical record for each patient. For each AHT incident, the date and zip code of the incident were recorded. Temperature on the date of incident was identified using the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC). Chi square tests were utilized to calculate differences in cases per year as well as temperature and seasonal variation. Results: Temperature was not associated with a statistically significant increase in cases of AHT. There was an increase in cases as temperatures rose, but no statistically significant associations between incidence of AHT and day of the week, month, or season. Conclusion: Our study suggests no significant association between AHT incidence and temperature or temporal patterns in this Midwest hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehali Mehta
- Department of Neurology, 8785University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura Bliss
- Department of Neurology, 2429Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anne Trolard
- Institute of Public Health, 573506Washington University in Saint Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jamie S Kondis
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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17
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Sayrs LW, Ortiz JB, Notrica DM, Kirsch L, Kelly C, Stottlemyre R, Cohen A, Misra S, Green TR, Adelson PD, Lifshitz J, Rowe RK. Intimate Partner Violence, Clinical Indications, and Other Family Risk Factors Associated With Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP6785-NP6812. [PMID: 33092447 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520967151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Over half of fatal pediatric traumatic brain injuries are estimated to be the result of physical abuse, i.e., abusive head trauma (AHT). Although intimate partner violence (IPV) is a well-established risk for child maltreatment, little is known about IPV as an associated risk factor specifically for AHT. We performed a single-institution, retrospective review of all patients (0-17 years) diagnosed at a Level 1 pediatric trauma center with head trauma who had been referred to an in-hospital child protection team for suspicion of AHT between 2010 and 2016. Data on patient demographics, hospitalization, injury, family characteristics, sociobehavioral characteristics, physical examination, laboratory findings, imaging, discharge, and forensic determination of AHT were extracted from the institution's forensic registry. Descriptive statistics (mean, median), chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare patients with fatal head injuries to patients with nonfatal head injuries by clinical characteristics, family characteristics, and forensic determination. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for the presence of IPV as an associated risk of AHT while controlling for other clinical and family factors. Of 804 patients with suspicion for AHT in the forensic registry, there were 240 patients with a forensic determination of AHT; 42 injuries were fatal. There were 101 families with a reported history of IPV; 64.4% of patients in families with reported IPV were <12 months of age. IPV was associated with a twofold increase in the risk of AHT (Exp(β) = 2.3 [p = .02]). This study confirmed IPV was an associated risk factor for AHT in a single institution cohort of pediatric patients with both fatal and nonfatal injuries. Identifying IPV along with other family factors may improve detection and surveillance of AHT in medical settings and help reduce injury, disability, and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois W Sayrs
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - J Bryce Ortiz
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - David M Notrica
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Lisa Kirsch
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Cara Kelly
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Arizona State University School of Social Work, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Aaron Cohen
- Valleywise Health Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shivani Misra
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Tabitha R Green
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - P David Adelson
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jonathan Lifshitz
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Phoenix Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Rachel K Rowe
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Phoenix Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Kwak YH. Diagnosis of Abusive Head Trauma : Neurosurgical Perspective. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2022; 65:370-379. [PMID: 35468707 PMCID: PMC9082129 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2021.0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the most severe form of physical abuse in children. Such injury involves traumatic damage to the head and/or spine of infants and young children. The term AHT was introduced to include a wider range of injury mechanisms, such as intentional direct blow, throw, and even penetrating trauma by perpetuator(s). Currently, it is recommended to replace the former term, shaken baby syndrome, which implicates shaking as the only mechanism, with AHT to include diverse clinical and radiological manifestations. The consequences of AHT cause devastating medical, social and financial burdens on families, communities, and victims. The potential harm of AHT to the developing brain and spinal cord of the victims is tremendous. Many studies have reported that the adverse effects of AHT are various and serious, such as blindness, mental retardation, physical limitation of daily activities and even psychological problems. Therefore, appropriate vigilance for the early recognition and diagnosis of AHT is highly recommended to stop and prevent further injuries. The aim of this review is to summarize the relevant evidence concerning the early recognition and diagnosis of AHT. To recognize this severe type of child abuse early, all health care providers maintain a high index of suspicion and vigilance. Such suspicion can be initiated with careful and thorough history taking and physical examinations. Previously developed clinical prediction rules can be helpful for decision-making regarding starting an investigation when considering meaningful findings. Even the combination of biochemical markers may be useful to predict AHT. For a more confirmative evaluation, neuroradiological imaging is required to find AHT-specific findings. Moreover, timely consultation with ophthalmologists is needed to find a very specific finding, retinal hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ho Kwak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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19
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Oliva A, Grassi S, Cazzato F, Jabbehdari S, Mensi L, Amorelli G, Orazi L, Arena V, Lepore D. The role of retinal imaging in the management of abusive head trauma cases. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1009-1016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02750-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Cohrs G, Winter SM, Siska W, Thomale UW. Underestimating isolated bilateral hygroma as non-accidental head injury with dramatic consequences: a case presentation. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:2429-2435. [PMID: 36323956 PMCID: PMC9630064 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05720-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abusive head injury (AHI) in infancy is associated with significantly worse outcomes compared to accidental traumatic brain injury. The decision-making of the diagnosis of AHI is challenging especially if the clinical signs are not presenting as a multifactorial pattern. METHOD We present a case of isolated bilateral hygroma in which this differential diagnosis of AHI was evaluated but primarily not seen as such leading subsequently to extensive secondary AHI with fatal brain injury. RESULTS The case of an 8-week-old infant with apparently isolated bilateral hygroma without any external signs of abuse and no retinal hemorrhages was interpreted in causative correlation to the perinatal complex course of delivery. At a second readmission of the case, severe brain injury with bilateral cortical hypoxia, subarachnoid and subdural hemorrhages, and skull and extremity fractures led to severe disability of the affected infant. CONCLUSION Any early suspicion of AHI with at least one factor possibly being associated with abusive trauma should be discussed in multidisciplinary team conferences to find the best strategy to protect the child. Beside clinical factors, social factors within the family household may additionally be evaluated to determine stress-related risk for traumatic child abuse. In general, prevention programs will be essential in future perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesa Cohrs
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sibylle Maria Winter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,Child Protection Team, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wiebke Siska
- Child Protection Team, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich-Wilhelm Thomale
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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21
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Boos SC, Wang M, Karst WA, Hymel KP. Traumatic Head Injury and the Diagnosis of Abuse: A Cluster Analysis. Pediatrics 2022; 149:183816. [PMID: 34890450 PMCID: PMC9645685 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-051742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Data guiding abusive head trauma (AHT) diagnosis rest on case-control studies that have been criticized for circularity. We wished to sort children with neurologic injury using mathematical algorithms, without reference to physicians' diagnoses or predetermined diagnostic criteria, and to compare the results to existing AHT data, physicians' diagnoses, and a proposed triad of findings. METHODS Unsupervised cluster analysis of an existing data set regarding 500 young patients with acute head injury hospitalized for intensive care. Three cluster algorithms were used to sort (partition) patients into subpopulations (clusters) on the basis of 32 reliable (κ > 0.6) clinical and radiologic variables. P values and odds ratios (ORs) identified variables most predictive of partitioning. RESULTS The full cohort partitioned into 2 clusters. Variables substantially (P < .001 and OR > 10 in all 3 cluster algorithms) more prevalent in cluster 1 were imaging indications of brain hypoxemia, ischemia, and/or swelling; acute encephalopathy, particularly when lasting >24 hours; respiratory compromise; subdural hemorrhage or fluid collection; and ophthalmologist-confirmed retinoschisis. Variables substantially (P < .001 and OR < 0.10 in any cluster algorithm) more prevalent in cluster 2 were linear parietal skull fracture and epidural hematoma. Postpartitioning analysis revealed that cluster 1 had a high prevalence of physician-diagnosed abuse. CONCLUSIONS Three cluster algorithms partitioned the population into 2 clusters without reference to predetermined diagnostic criteria or clinical opinion about the nature of AHT. Clinical difference between clusters replicated differences previously described in comparisons of AHT with non-AHT. Algorithmic partition was predictive of physician diagnosis and of the triad of findings heavily discussed in AHT literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C. Boos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School—Baystate, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts,Address correspondence to Stephen C. Boos, MD, Baystate Medical Center, Family Advocacy Center, 300 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01199. E-mail:
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Wouter A. Karst
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Kent P. Hymel
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University and Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Loredo-Abdalá A, Casas-Muñoz A, Villanueva-Clift HJ, Aguilar-Ceniceros A, González-Garay AG, Gutiérrez-Leyva CDJ, Juarez Olguin H. Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: Multicentric Experience in Mexico. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:644-658. [PMID: 32306826 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520916283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is one of the most severe forms of child abuse due to its morbidity and mortality. However, AHT is still misdiagnosed in developing countries because of its nonspecific clinical picture and limited knowledge of it on the part of physicians. The aim of this study was to describe some characteristics of children with AHT, their families, and caregivers, as well as the clinical data that could serve as signs for its suspicion and the medical-legal resolution of the cases. Children suspect with AHT in emergency rooms in three Mexican hospitals were included after obtaining informed consent from the parents. All information was obtained from the parents by means of a questionnaire and from different clinical and radiological evaluations of the clinical records of the patients. 15 children, with a median age of 5 months and predominantly males (73.33%), were included in the study. 66% reported a history of irritability periods, and most of the patients (73.33%) had more than one habitual caregiver. The diagnosis of AHT was suspected in only 33.33% on admission in the Emergency Services. Acute symptomatology was present in 53.33%, while less severe symptoms were reported in the rest. Special attention should be paid on babies with history of irritable periods. When a child who is previously healthy and suddenly presents with a seizure or cardiorespiratory dysfunction or brought to the hospital dead, the diagnosis of AHT should be considered as a priority.
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Pendharkar H, Jabeen S, Pruthi N, Narasinga Rao KVLN, Shukla D, Kamble N, Jangam KV, Kommu JVS, Kandavel T, Amudhan S. Abusive head trauma in India: imaging raises the curtain. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2021; 29:103-111. [PMID: 34913839 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2021.2007955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to identify children at our institute who possibly suffered abusive head trauma (AHT). A retrospective study of CT imaging of children between one month to three years of age between January 2013 and May 2021 was carried out at a dedicated neurocentre in Southern India. We identified 48 cases of possible AHT. The demographics, clinical features at presentation, imaging and fundus findings were analyzed. Imaging revealed subdural hemorrhage (SDH) in 42 and sub dural effusion (SDE) in 5 cases, one case had only hypoxia. The location of SDH was studied as was hypoxia underlying SDH, global hypoxia and ischemia. Cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), parenchymal hematoma & intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were also noted. Skeletal survey, chest X-ray and CT spine were reviewed. AHT needs to be paid attention to in the Indian scenario. An extensive work up is required to substantiate the claim and to work on prevention & management of these cases subsequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hima Pendharkar
- Department of Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Shumyla Jabeen
- Department of Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India.,Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
| | - Nupur Pruthi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - K V L N Narasinga Rao
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Dhaval Shukla
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Nitish Kamble
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India.,Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Kavita V Jangam
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - John Vijay Sagar Kommu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Thennarasu Kandavel
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Senthil Amudhan
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
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24
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Jackson JE, Beres AL, Theodorou CM, Ugiliweneza B, Boakye M, Nuño M. Long-term impact of abusive head trauma in young children: Outcomes at 5 and 11 years old. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:2318-2325. [PMID: 33714452 PMCID: PMC8374003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young children. We aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of AHT. METHODS Using administrative claims from 2000-2018, children <3 years old with documented AHT who had follow-up through ages 5 and 11 years were identified. The primary outcome was incidence of neurodevelopmental disability and the secondary outcome was the effect of age at time of AHT on long-term outcomes. RESULTS 1,165 children were identified with follow-up through age 5; 358 also had follow-up through age 11. The incidence of neurodevelopmental disability was 68.0% (792/1165) at 5 years of age and 81.6% (292/358) at 11 years of age. The incidence of disability significantly increased for the 358 children followed from 5 to 11 years old (+14.3 percentage points, p<0.0001). Children <1 year old at the time of AHT were more likely to develop disabilities when compared to 2 year olds. CONCLUSIONS AHT is associated with significant long-term disability by age 5 and the incidence increased by age 11 years. There is an association between age at time of AHT and long-term outcomes. Efforts to improve comprehensive follow-up as children continue to age is important. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan E Jackson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, 2335 Stockton Blvd, Room 5107, Sacramento, CA, United States.
| | - Alana L Beres
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
| | - Christina M Theodorou
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
| | | | - Maxwell Boakye
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Miriam Nuño
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
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25
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Wilson TA, Gospodarev V, Hendrix S, Minasian T. Pediatric abusive head trauma: ThinkFirst national injury prevention foundation. Surg Neurol Int 2021; 12:526. [PMID: 34754576 PMCID: PMC8571401 DOI: 10.25259/sni_194_2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pediatric abusive head trauma (AHT) represents 80% of nonaccidental trauma deaths, remaining a lead cause of death among infants and young children. Furthermore, neurosurgical intervention can ameliorate damage from secondary injury, but we are currently unable to alter the impact of the primary injury. Thus, prevention through increased public awareness is imperative. This study identifies injuries and predictors of outcomes in pediatric AHT and highlights the importance of partnering with our community through ThinkFirst, a national injury prevention foundation, to educate parents and caregivers about prevention. Methods: This single-institution retrospective review identifies injuries and predictors of outcomes in pediatric AHT and highlights the importance of partnering with our community to raise awareness and educate parents and caregivers about prevention. Results: The number of pediatric AHT cases continues to steadily increase over time (P < 0.001), and over 70% of these patients are <1 year of age (P < 0.001). Patients suffering AHT have a mortality rate of nearly 10%. In addition to morbidity and mortality, the economic burden of caring for abused children is high as they often require high levels of care, long hospital stays, and extensive rehabilitation. Furthermore, Medicaid pays for nearly 80% of these patients. Conclusion: The population of patients with AHT is unique, and one that will benefit from continued efforts at increased multidisciplinary and public awareness. Prevention of AHT through awareness is critical. Through partnering with ThinkFirst, a national injury prevention foundation, we aim to educate parents and caregivers about prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Anne Wilson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States
| | - Vadim Gospodarev
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States
| | - Sean Hendrix
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States
| | - Tanya Minasian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States
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26
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Jalloul RJ, Vigil A, Chen HY, Ward C. Effectiveness of Educational Materials Designed to Improve Knowledge Regarding Crying and Shaken Baby Syndrome in Mothers of Hispanic Population. HISPANIC HEALTH CARE INTERNATIONAL 2021; 20:179-183. [PMID: 34617469 DOI: 10.1177/15404153211040244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Caregiver frustration with inconsolable crying is a commonly cited antecedent factor of Abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve patients' knowledge of normal crying patterns in infants and the implications of AHT among women of Hispanic population. Methods: The Period of PURPLE Crying program was piloted as part of Centering Prenatal Care at an outpatient clinic site in the Harris County Health Department system, which cares for a primarily underserved and Spanish speaking population. Educational material and direct counseling were delivered by the clinician. Demographic data was collected and a pre- and post-test survey was administrated to assess participant's knowledge and behavior. Results: Between April 2017 and April 2018, 63 Hispanic women were included in this study. Prior to implementation of the educational tool, most of the survey questions were answered incorrectly. After the intervention, knowledge regarding normal infant crying patterns was significantly improved in all questions. However, knowledge gaps persisted especially in relation to the adequacy of parents' ability to soothe a crying infant and normalcy of excessive crying. Conclusions: The educational curriculum was an effective tool for improving knowledge about normal infant crying patterns in Hispanic mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randa J Jalloul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 12340McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas
| | - Aida Vigil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 12340McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas
| | - Han-Yang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 12340McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas
| | - Clara Ward
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 12340McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas
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Hymel KP, Armijo-Garcia V, Musick M, Marinello M, Herman BE, Weeks K, Haney SB, Frazier TN, Carroll CL, Kissoon NN, Isaac R, Foster R, Campbell KA, Tieves KS, Livingston N, Bucher A, Woosley MC, Escamilla-Padilla D, Jaimon N, Kustka L, Wang M, Chinchilli VM, Dias MS, Noll J. A Cluster Randomized Trial to Reduce Missed Abusive Head Trauma in Pediatric Intensive Care Settings. J Pediatr 2021; 236:260-268.e3. [PMID: 33798512 PMCID: PMC8403132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the impact of the PediBIRN (Pediatric Brain Injury Research Network) 4-variable clinical decision rule (CDR) on abuse evaluations and missed abusive head trauma in pediatric intensive care settings. STUDY DESIGN This was a cluster randomized trial. Participants included 8 pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in US academic medical centers; PICU and child abuse physicians; and consecutive patients with acute head injures <3 years (n = 183 and n = 237, intervention vs control). PICUs were stratified by patient volumes, pair-matched, and randomized equally to intervention or control conditions. Randomization was concealed from the biostatistician. Physician-directed, cluster-level interventions included initial and booster training, access to an abusive head trauma probability calculator, and information sessions. Outcomes included "higher risk" patients evaluated thoroughly for abuse (with skeletal survey and retinal examination), potential cases of missed abusive head trauma (patients lacking either evaluation), and estimates of missed abusive head trauma (among potential cases). Group comparisons were performed using generalized linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS Intervention physicians evaluated a greater proportion of higher risk patients thoroughly (81% vs 73%, P = .11) and had fewer potential cases of missed abusive head trauma (21% vs 32%, P = .05), although estimated cases of missed abusive head trauma did not differ (7% vs 13%, P = .22). From baseline (in previous studies) to trial, the change in higher risk patients evaluated thoroughly (67%→81% vs 78%→73%, P = .01), and potential cases of missed abusive head trauma (40%→21% vs 29%→32%, P = .003), diverged significantly. We did not identify a significant divergence in the number of estimated cases of missed abusive head trauma (15%→7% vs 11%→13%, P = .22). CONCLUSIONS PediBIRN-4 CDR application facilitated changes in abuse evaluations that reduced potential cases of missed abusive head trauma in PICU settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03162354.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent P. Hymel
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Matthew Musick
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Mark Marinello
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Bruce E. Herman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kerri Weeks
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas
| | - Suzanne B. Haney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Terra N. Frazier
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | | | - Natalie N. Kissoon
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Reena Isaac
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Robin Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Kristine A. Campbell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kelly S. Tieves
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Nina Livingston
- Department of Pediatrics, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Ashley Bucher
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Maria C. Woosley
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Nancy Jaimon
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Lucinda Kustka
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Vernon M. Chinchilli
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark S. Dias
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Jennie Noll
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania
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28
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[Nonaccidental traumatic brain injury in infants and children]. Radiologe 2021; 61:742-747. [PMID: 34251479 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-021-00885-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Violent traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause brain dysfunction and injury. Accidental and nonaccidental trauma are still the leading cause of childhood death worldwide. It is assumed that about 20% of TBI in children under 2 years of age are nonaccidentally caused. In all cases, nonaccidental TBI is caused by the violent impact on the brain and spinal cord by the massive shaking of the child held by the upper arms or body. This can lead to a rupture of blood vessels, especially bridge veins, as well as axonal shear injuries to the nerve connections and brain swelling. Involvement of the brain stem can lead to initial short-term respiratory arrest. The resulting clinical symptoms include poor drinking, drowsiness, apathy, cerebral seizures, breathing disorders, temperature disorders, and vomiting as a result of increased intracranial pressure. Long-term disorders can include neurological and neuropsychological disorders, hearing disorders, visual disorders up to blindness, and poor school performance. In addition, there are metaphyseal fractures and rib fractures of various forms, also of different ages. Since shaking trauma has a poor prognosis, preventive measures are useful: education!
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29
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Lawson M, Tully J, Ditchfield M, Kuganesan A, Badawy MK. Using Computed Tomography skeletal surveys to evaluate for occult bony injury in suspected non-accidental injury cases - A preliminary experience. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2021; 66:41-48. [PMID: 34240551 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This case series summarises our institution's preliminary experience of using computed tomography skeletal surveys (CT-SS) for the assessment of infants with suspected non-accidental injury (NAI) who were unable to undergo radiographic skeletal surveys (SS). This paper describes our experience using CT-SS in terms of radiation doses achieved, occult bony injury detection and forensic utility. METHODS Ten infants aged between two weeks and ten months underwent a CT-SS. The results of the CT-SS were compared with concurrent imaging results where available. Radiation doses from imaging procedures were calculated for each patient. RESULTS Six infants had abnormalities identified on CT-SS. Two patients had both an ante-mortem CT-SS and post-mortem imaging. All fractures identified on alternate imaging modalities were visible on at least one CT-SS reconstruction. The radiation dose associated with CT-SS imaging ranged from 0.73 to 1.46mSv. CONCLUSION The radiation dose received by the ten infants in this study was greater than the two skeletal survey approach but was less than the dose received during a bone scintigraphy examination, sometimes used to assess for occult bony injury in this setting. While CT-SS imaging results could not be compared with those obtained with current contemporaneous gold standard imaging techniques, CT-SS identified all fractures observed on the radiographic images where performed. CT-SS also identified additional rib fractures in two patients. Our preliminary findings indicate the need for future prospective studies to clarify the ability of CT-SS to detect metaphyseal fractures reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lawson
- Monash Health Imaging, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Medical and Radiation Physics, School of Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanna Tully
- Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Ditchfield
- Monash Health Imaging, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ahilan Kuganesan
- Monash Health Imaging, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohamed K Badawy
- Monash Health Imaging, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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30
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Abusive head trauma: Canadian and global perspectives. Pediatr Radiol 2021; 51:876-882. [PMID: 33999233 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-020-04844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Canada has come a long way since Dr. C. Henry Kempe first described battered-child syndrome in 1962. The year 1999 was crucial in Canada's battle against shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma (SBS/AHT), when the first national conference on the topic was held in Saskatoon. This was followed by the issuance of a national statement and multidisciplinary guidelines, recently updated in 2020. Incidence of AHT in Canada is similar to that found in population-based studies from Switzerland and New Zealand. The mainstay of prevention of AHT in Canada is education of parents and caregivers with respect to their response to infant crying. Population-based data for global incidence of AHT are lacking, largely because of social and cultural differences contributing to poor understanding of AHT as a medico-legal entity. India faces a distinct challenge in the battle against female feticide and infanticide.
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31
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Glenn K, Nickerson E, Bennett CV, Naughton A, Cowley LE, Morris E, Murtagh U, Kontos K, Kemp AM. Head computed tomography in suspected physical abuse: time to rethink? Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:461-466. [PMID: 33122332 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND National guidance recommends CT-head for all children <1 year old with suspected physical abuse, and to be considered for those <2 years old to exclude abusive head trauma. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether this guidance is followed, and the associations between clinical presentation and CT findings, to determine whether guidance could be refined. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective case note review of all children <2 years old who underwent medical assessment for suspected abuse (2009-2017). Outcome measures were frequency of CT-head, and diagnostic yield of intracranial injury, skull fracture or both. RESULTS CT-head was undertaken in 60.3% (152/252) of children <12 months old and 7.8% (13/167) of those aged 12-24 months. The diagnostic yield in children who had a CT-head was 27.1% in children <6 months old, 14.3% in those 6-12 months old (p=0.07) and 42.6% (6/13) in those 12-24 months old. For those with head swelling or neurological impairment, it was 84.2% (32/38). In children <12 months old without these clinical features, the estimated prevalence of occult head injury was 6.1% (7/115). The strongest predictors of an abnormal CT-head were swelling to the head (OR 46.7), neurological impairment (OR 20.6) and a low haemoglobin (OR 11.8). CONCLUSION All children <2 years of age with suspected physical abuse and neurological impairment or head swelling should undergo CT-head. Where the technical skills and the requisite expertise to interpret MRI exist, an MRI scan may be the optimal first-line neuroimaging investigation in infants who are neurologically stable with injuries unrelated to the head to minimise cranial radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Glenn
- Department of Community Child Health, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Elizabeth Nickerson
- Department of Community Child Health, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - C Verity Bennett
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Emily Morris
- Department of Community Child Health, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Una Murtagh
- Department of Community Child Health, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Katina Kontos
- Department of Community Child Health, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alison Mary Kemp
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff, UK
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32
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Aromatario M, Torsello A, D’Errico S, Bertozzi G, Sessa F, Cipolloni L, Baldari B. Traumatic Epidural and Subdural Hematoma: Epidemiology, Outcome, and Dating. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:medicina57020125. [PMID: 33535407 PMCID: PMC7912597 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57020125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Epidural hematomas (EDHs) and subdural hematomas (SDHs), or so-called extra-axial bleedings, are common clinical entities after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A forensic pathologist often analyzes cases of traumatic EDHs or SDHs due to road accidents, suicides, homicides, assaults, domestic or on-the-job accidents, and even in a medical responsibility scenario. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the published data in the medical literature, useful to forensic pathologists. We mainly focused on the data from the last 15 years, and considered the most updated protocols and diagnostic-therapeutic tools. This study reviews the epidemiology, outcome, and dating of extra-axial hematomas in the adult population; studies on the controversial interdural hematoma are also included.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Torsello
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D’Avanzo, Via degli Aviatori 1, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (A.T.); (F.S.); (L.C.)
| | - Stefano D’Errico
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D’Avanzo, Via degli Aviatori 1, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (A.T.); (F.S.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D’Avanzo, Via degli Aviatori 1, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (A.T.); (F.S.); (L.C.)
| | - Luigi Cipolloni
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D’Avanzo, Via degli Aviatori 1, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (A.T.); (F.S.); (L.C.)
| | - Benedetta Baldari
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00186 Rome, Italy;
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Thau A, Saffren B, Zakrzewski H, Anderst JD, Carpenter SL, Levin A. Retinal hemorrhage and bleeding disorders in children: A review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 112:104901. [PMID: 33401159 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal hemorrhages (RH) are a common manifestation of abusive head trauma (AHT) resulting from acceleration-deceleration injury with or without blunt impact. Evaluation of a child with RH requires careful consideration of these differential diagnoses. The extent to which coagulopathy alone can cause RH would be useful to understand as coagulopathy may accompany AHT. OBJECTIVE In this systematic review, we sought to identify whether coagulopathies have been reported with RH similar to those of AHT. METHODS We performed a literature search for ocular manifestations of bleeding disorders in children less than 18 years old. We included clotting factor deficiencies, vitamin K deficiency, platelet function abnormalities, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and trauma induced coagulopathy (TIC). We included only pediatric reports of intraocular bleeding or documented eye examinations that indicated no hemorrhages. We then re-examined cases for ocular and systemic findings that could potentially mimic abuse. RESULTS Our initial search yielded 816 results. Sixty-one articles met our inclusion criteria. Of these, there were 32 children within the AHT age range (less than 5 years old) who had RH and concomitant coagulopathy. Only 5 cases might potentially be confused for abuse. Of these, no classic characteristics of RH from abuse such as retinoschisis or retinal folds were found. Systemic features were inconsistent with AHT. CONCLUSIONS The presence of coagulopathy alone does not rule out the possibility that the child has been abused. Coagulopathy alone has not been reported as an etiology of RH that are consistent with AHT, especially when other findings are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avrey Thau
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brooke Saffren
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Helena Zakrzewski
- Department of Experimental Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - James D Anderst
- Division of Child Adversity and Resilience, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Shannon L Carpenter
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Alex Levin
- Flaum Eye Institute and Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester, New York, USA.
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Evaluating abusive head trauma in children <5 years old: Risk factors and the importance of the social history. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:390-396. [PMID: 33220974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the leading cause traumatic death in children ≤5 years of age. AHT remains seriously under-surveilled, increasing the risk of subsequent injury and death. This study assesses the clinical and social risks associated with fatal and non-fatal AHT. METHODS A single-institution, retrospective review of suspected AHT patients ≤5 years of age between 2010 and 2016 using a prospective hospital forensic registry data yielded demographic, clinical, family, psycho-social and other follow-up information. Descriptive statistics were used to look for differences between patients with AHT and accidental head trauma. Logistic regression estimated the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for AHT. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was created to calculate model sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS Forensic evaluations of 783 children age ≤5 years with head trauma met the inclusion criteria; 25 were fatal with median[IQR] age 23[4.5-39.0] months. Of 758 non-fatal patients, age was 7[3.0-11.0] months; 59.5% male; 435 patients (57.4%) presented with a skull fracture, 403 (53.2%) with intracranial hemorrhage. Ultimately 242 (31.9%) were adjudicated AHT, 335(44.2%) were accidental, 181 (23.9%) were undetermined. Clinical factors increasing the risk of AHT included multiple fractures (Exp(β) = 9.9[p = 0.001]), bruising (Expβ = 5.7[p < 0.001]), subdural blood (Exp(β) = 5.3[p = 0.001]), seizures (Exp(β) = 4.9[p = 0.02]), lethargy/unresponsiveness (Exp(β) = 2.24[p = 0.02]), loss of consciousness (Exp(β) = 4.69[p = 0.001]), and unknown mechanism of injury (Exp(β) = 3.9[p = 0.001]); skull fracture reduced the risk of AHT by half (Exp(β) = 0.5[p = 0.011]). Social risks factors included prior police involvement (Exp(β) = 5.9[p = 0.001]), substance abuse (Exp(β) = 5.7[p = .001]), unknown number of adults in the home (Exp(β) = 4.1[p = 0.001]) and intimate partner violence (Exp(β) = 2.3[p = 0.02]). ROC area under the curve (AUC) = 0.90([95% CI = 0.86-0.93] p = .001) provides 73% sensitivity; 91% specificity. CONCLUSIONS To improve surveillance of AHT, interviews should include and consider social factors including caregiver/household substance abuse, intimate partner violence, prior police involvement and household size. An unknown number of adults in home is associated with an increased risk of AHT. STUDY TYPE/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic, Level III.
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Rey-Salmon C, de Boissieu P, Teglas JP, Adamsbaum C. Abusive Head Trauma in Day Care Centers. Pediatrics 2020; 146:peds.2020-013771. [PMID: 33172921 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-013771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) warrants particular attention in terms of prevention. One of the key questions asked is how often AHT occurs in infant day care centers compared with private parental or nonparental homes. To investigate this, we studied the caretaking arrangement and child's location at the time of injury in a cohort of cases involving AHT from the courts. METHODS This multicenter retrospective study covering an 18-year period included all medical and court records of 323 children (2.5 months to 3 years) with AHT, confirmed by the authors acting as medical experts. All markers for abuse and forensic written reports were analyzed by using a standardized data collection tool. The usual child care arrangement and the child's location at the time of injury were noted. The percentage of day care centers found in the study was compared to the expected rate in the French population (19.5%) by using the χ2 test. RESULTS In 317 AHT cases (98.5%), the assault occurred in a private home (4 in other indoor settings and 1 with missing data). In only 1 case, shaking occurred in a day care center when the nurse was alone with the infant for a few minutes. In 317 cases (98.5%), the usual child care arrangement was by a single adult in charge of 1 or more children. CONCLUSIONS The fact that AHT is an unusual occurrence in day care centers could help social service agencies make decisions in terms of prevention. Recent government policies regarding stay-at-home orders during a pandemic have given this issue new relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Rey-Salmon
- Pediatrics and Forensic Unit, Hôtel Dieu Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Jean-Paul Teglas
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health U1018, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Adamsbaum
- Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France .,Pediatric Radiology, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Identification of Abusive Head Trauma in High-Risk Infants: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. J Pediatr 2020; 227:176-183.e3. [PMID: 32531314 PMCID: PMC10372721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of abusive head trauma detection strategies in emergency department settings with and without rapid magnetic resonance imaging (rMRI) availability. STUDY DESIGN A Markov decision model estimated outcomes in well-appearing infants with high-risk chief complaints. In an emergency department without rMRI, we considered 3 strategies: clinical judgment, universal head computed tomography (CT) scan, or the Pittsburgh Infant Brain Injury Score (PIBIS) with a CT scan. In an emergency department with rMRI for brain availability, we considered additional strategies: universal rMRI, universal rMRI with a CT scan, PIBIS with rMRI, and PIBIS with rMRI followed by a CT scan. Correct diagnosis eliminated future risk; missed abusive head trauma led to reinjury risk with associated poor outcomes. Cohorts were followed for 1 year from a healthcare perspective. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. The main outcomes evaluated in this study were abusive head trauma correctly identified and incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year. RESULTS Without rMRI availability, PIBIS followed by a CT scan was the most cost-effective strategy. Results were sensitive to variation of CT scan-induced cancer parameters and abusive head trauma prevalence. When rMRI was available, universal rMRI followed by a confirmatory CT scan cost $25 791 to gain 1 additional quality-adjusted life-year compared with PIBIS followed by rMRI with a confirmatory CT scan. In both models, clinical judgement was less effective than alternative strategies. CONCLUSIONS By applying CT scans to a more targeted population, PIBIS decreases radiation exposure and is more effective for the identification of abusive head trauma compared with clinical judgment. When rMRI is available, universal rMRI with a CT scan is more effective than PIBIS and is economically favorable.
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Eismann EA, Theuerling J, Cassedy A, Curry PA, Colliers T, Makoroff KL. Early developmental, behavioral, and quality of life outcomes following abusive head trauma in infants. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 108:104643. [PMID: 32739598 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental delays following pediatric abusive head trauma are common. OBJECTIVE To assess early developmental, behavioral, and quality of life outcomes following infant abusive head trauma and evaluate injury severity and early therapeutic intervention as potential predictors. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Infants under 12 months old who were admitted to a large pediatric hospital with abusive head trauma between October 2010 and October 2017 and followed at a multidisciplinary post-injury clinic were included. METHODS Injury severity groups were classified based on days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Participation in early intervention services and/or physical or occupational therapy by the first clinic visit was documented. Development was assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, which 47 patients completed at approximately 6 month intervals up to 3 years of age (an average of 19 months post-injury). Behavior and quality of life were assessed around age 2 using the Child Behavior Checklist (n = 24) and PedsQL™ (n = 27), respectively. RESULTS Overall cognitive development, fine motor function, and expressive language significantly declined with age up to 3 years (p < 0.05). The changes in these developmental scales with age differed significantly between injury severity groups (p < 0.05). Internalizing behaviors were also greater in patients with moderate than mild injuries (t = 2.37, p = 0.037). Quality of life was comparable to healthy populations. Early therapeutic intervention was not significantly associated with developmental, behavioral, or quality of life outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Long-term comprehensive follow-up is recommended for children following abusive head trauma, as developmental delays and behavioral problems may present at later ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Eismann
- Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jack Theuerling
- Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Amy Cassedy
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Patricia A Curry
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Tracy Colliers
- Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Kathi L Makoroff
- Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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Cala Cala LF, Kelly CL, Ramos E, VanVleet M, High P. Which Mothers Know That All Babies Cry? A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Child Abuse Prevention Program for Low-Income New Mothers. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2020; 59:865-873. [PMID: 32432487 DOI: 10.1177/0009922820922532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated an intervention for low-income new mothers, half from Spanish-speaking homes, that provides education around infant crying and abusive head trauma (AHT). At enrollment, non-US-born mothers were less likely than US-born mothers to have heard of shaken baby syndrome (60% vs 89%, P ≤ .0001) or to know shaking babies could lead to brain damage or death (48% vs 80%, P < .0001). At follow-up, non-US-born intervention mothers had improved knowledge of the peak of crying (31% vs 4%, P = .009), improved knowledge that shaking a baby could lead to brain damage or death (36% vs 12%, P = .035), and identified more calming strategies for parenting stress compared with non-US-born control mothers (+0.8 [SD = 1.1] vs -0.4 [SD = 1.4]). This study identifies a gap in AHT knowledge at baseline of non-US-born mothers. These mothers had improved knowledge with intervention and are an important population for similar prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa F Cala Cala
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carrie Leah Kelly
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Elaina Ramos
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Marcia VanVleet
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Pamela High
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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Kazmir S, Rosado N. Abusive Head Trauma: A Review of Current Knowledge. CLINICAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2020.100791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Henry MK, Lindberg DM, Wood JN. More data, more questions: No simple answer about which children should undergo screening neuroimaging for clinically occult abusive head trauma. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 107:104561. [PMID: 32544698 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the leading cause of fatal child physical abuse. Victims may initially present with clinically occult AHT without overt signs of head trauma or with only subtle, nonspecific symptoms, which can make timely recognition of AHT challenging. Research has shown missed opportunities for early detection of AHT in the medical setting are common and can lead to repeated injury. Neuroimaging is needed to diagnose clinically occult AHT but is not without risk. Researchers have worked to understand the yield of neuroimaging in detection of clinically occult AHT and to identify risk factors, yet findings have varied widely across studies. Identifying which children undergoing physical abuse evaluations are at highest risk of clinically occult AHT is key to development of evidence-based imaging decision support tools for clinicians. Here we discuss the recent literature, identify potential reasons for variation across studies, and offer opportunities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Katherine Henry
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - Daniel M Lindberg
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine. 12401 E. 17th Ave., Aurora, CO 80238, United States; The Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse & Neglect, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12401 E. 17th Ave., Aurora, CO 80238, United States
| | - Joanne N Wood
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; PolicyLab, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, United States
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41
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Deutsch SA. Understanding Abusive Head Trauma: A Primer for the General Pediatrician. Pediatr Ann 2020; 49:e347-e353. [PMID: 32785719 DOI: 10.3928/19382359-20200720-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) refers to a well-recognized constellation of injuries caused by the direct application of force to an infant or young child, resulting in trauma to the head, intracranial contents, and/or neck, with potentially devastating health outcomes. Mechanisms of AHT include impulsive injurious acts, such as violent shaking and impact, often due to caregiver frustration or exhaustion. Subdural and retinal hemorrhage, and associated extracranial injury (fractures, abdominal trauma), are common. Suspected victims require laboratory/diagnostic testing and occult injury screening, as well as protective measures by investigative authorities to ensure safety. Medicolegal controversies persist around AHT diagnosis, including alternative hypotheses proffered in court by skeptics despite advances in scientific understanding, biomechanical research, neuroimaging techniques, and perpetrator confessions. Pediatricians play a key role in prevention and reduction of AHT morbidity and mortality through anticipatory guidance and caregiver education about the risks of shaking, normal infant development and behavior, and encouragement of stress reduction strategies. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(8):e347-e353.].
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Beaulieu E, Jiang A, Zheng A, Rajabali F, Pike I. Inequities in Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma According to Neighborhood Social and Material Deprivation: A Population-Level Study in British Columbia, Canada. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2020; 25:300-307. [PMID: 31826660 DOI: 10.1177/1077559519892332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the relationship between neighborhood social and material deprivation and the rates of abusive head trauma (AHT), and whether it differs according to sex, and following the implementation of the Period of PURPLE Crying (PURPLE) program. METHOD A cross-sectional study design was applied to data from children 0 to 24 months old with a confirmed AHT diagnosis between 2005 and 2017 in British Columbia. Dissemination area-based social and material deprivation scores were assigned to residential areas, where AHT cases were recorded. Poisson regression models tested the relationship between deprivation scores and AHT rates, adding sex and pre-post program implementation as interaction terms. RESULTS With each increase in material and social deprivation quintiles, AHT rates increased by 42% (95% CI [1.18, 1.72]) and 25% (95% CI [1.06, 1.51]), respectively, following a social gradient. AHT rate disparities between neighborhoods did not change following the PURPLE program implementation. CONCLUSIONS This study stresses the need to provide additional AHT prevention services proportionately to the levels of neighborhood disadvantage, in addition to universal AHT programs, to successfully protect all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Beaulieu
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andy Jiang
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alex Zheng
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fahra Rajabali
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ian Pike
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Cerebrovascular Complications of Pediatric Blunt Trauma. Pediatr Neurol 2020; 108:5-12. [PMID: 32111560 PMCID: PMC7306436 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke can occur in the setting of pediatric trauma, particularly those with head or neck injuries. The risk of stroke appears highest within the first two weeks after trauma. Stroke diagnosis may be challenging due to lack of awareness or concurrent injuries limiting detailed neurological assessment. Other injuries may also complicate stroke management, with competing priorities for blood pressure, ventilator management, or antithrombotic timing. Here we review epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approach to blunt arterial injuries including dissection, cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, mineralizing angiopathy, stroke from abusive head trauma, and traumatic hemorrhagic stroke. Owing to the complexities and heterogeneity of concomitant injuries in stroke related to trauma, a single pathway for stroke management is impractical. Therefore providers must understand the goals and possible costs or consequences of stroke management decisions to individualize patient care. We discuss the physiological principles of cerebral perfusion and oxygen delivery, considerations for ventilator strategy when stroke and lung injury are present, and current available evidence of the risks and benefits of anticoagulation to provide a framework for multidisciplinary discussions of cerebrovascular injury management in pediatric patients with trauma.
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Bryce I. Responding to the accumulation of adverse childhood experiences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for practice. CHILDREN AUSTRALIA 2020; 45:80-87. [PMCID: PMC7298091 DOI: 10.1017/cha.2020.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, the world as we knew it began to change dramatically and rapidly with the COVID-19 outbreak. Social distancing restrictions and lockdown measures have been the most effective course of action and an inarguably imperative approach at this time. However, in trying to keep the global population safe, social distancing measures unwittingly placed children already experiencing maltreatment and disadvantage in harm’s way. This paper will consider the evidence base which attests to the importance of considering the accumulation of adversity when seeking to understand risk and impact of child maltreatment and disadvantage. Given the unique and unprecedented circumstances which have accompanied the COVID-19 outbreak, and the dearth of research pertaining to the impact of pandemics on child welfare, the paper draws on an emerging body of literature about the effect of natural disasters, conflict and significant global events on child maltreatment. The paper synthesises the research to date in order to call attention to the cumulative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children already experiencing abuse and neglect. The paper concludes with an outline of the implications for practice in the helping professions.
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Affiliation(s)
- India Bryce
- School of Education, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
- Author for correspondence: India Bryce,
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Nuño M, Shelley CD, Ugiliweneza B, Schmidt AJ, Magaña JN. Differences in Incidence and Case Fatality of Abusive Head Trauma. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 104:104488. [PMID: 32334138 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) in children older than 1 and younger than 5 years old is thought uncommon and rarely studied. OBJECTIVE This study estimates national incidence and case fatality rate of abusive head trauma (AHT), and evaluates differences by age, sex, race, and region, with a focus on children of 2-4 years. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Hospital discharges were extracted from The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Kids' Inpatient Database from 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012 using the CDC's narrow definition of AHT. METHODS Survey-weighted chi-square tests were used to assess differences in incidence and case fatality rates. RESULTS The average annual incidence per 100,000 children was highest in <1 year-olds (27), followed by age 1 (4), age 2 (3), and age 3-4 (1). Average annual incidence varied significantly by sex (p = 0.0001), race (p < 0.0001), and region (p = 0.0002) within each age category. The average annual case fatality rate increased significantly with age, with a rate of 0.10 among children age <1 year, 0.15 for age 1, 0.23 for age 2, and 0.20 for age 3-4 years. The average annual case fatality rate was higher in the South (0.12) than West (0.10), Midwest (0.09), and Northeast (0.08) among children <1 year of age. CONCLUSIONS Black and Hispanic children and hospitals in the Midwest experienced higher incidence of AHT than White children and Northeast hospitals, respectively, especially in cases <1 year of age. Case fatality rates increased significantly with age, and the South experienced the highest rates for infants <1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Nuño
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, University of California Davis, USA.
| | - Courtney D Shelley
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, University of California Davis, USA
| | | | - Alec J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, University of California Davis, USA
| | - Julia N Magaña
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) peaks during early infancy and decreases in toddler years. Infants and toddlers experience different injuries, possibly impacting the risk of mortality. We aimed to evaluate the association of age with mortality. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of AHT hospitalizations in 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012 from the Kid's Inpatient Claims Database. An accidental head trauma cohort was included to hypothesize that the association between age and mortality is unique to abuse. A nested multivariable logistic regression was used to perform the analysis. RESULTS Children aged 2 years to 4 years experienced higher mortality than those younger than 2 years (22% vs. 10%, p < 0.0001; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.2). The presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.9), cerebral edema (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.9-5.4), and retinal hemorrhage (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5-2.5) were associated with an increase risk in mortality. Children younger than 2 years experienced more fractures and hemorrhage (subdural, subarachnoid, retinal) while children aged 2 years to 4 years encountered more internal injuries and cerebral edema.In children with accidental head trauma, those aged 2 years to 4 years have a lower mortality compared with those younger than 2 years (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3-0.6). Among children younger than 2 years, AHT and accidental trauma had comparable risk of mortality (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.6-1.3). However, among those aged 22 years to 4 years, AHT had a higher risk of mortality than accidental trauma (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.1-5.1). CONCLUSION There is a considerable risk of mortality associated with age at diagnosis in children with AHT.Children younger than 2 years and those aged 2 years to 4 years present with different types of injuries. The high risk of mortality in the children aged 2 years to 4 years is unique to AHT. Efforts should be made to increase awareness about the risk of mortality and identify factors that can aide in a timely accurate diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and epidemiological study, level III.
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Rebbe R, Mienko JA, Martinson ML. Incidence and Risk Factors for Abusive Head Trauma: A Population-Based Study. CHILD ABUSE REVIEW (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND : 1992) 2020; 29:195-207. [PMID: 33071539 PMCID: PMC7567009 DOI: 10.1002/car.2630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies on Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) suggest incidence may vary by geographic location and there is limited information regarding population-based risk factors on this form of child maltreatment. This study provides new knowledge regarding these two aspects using the population of the US state of Washington born between 1999 and 2013. We used a linked administrative dataset comprised of birth, hospital discharge, child protective services (CPS) and death records to identify the scale and risk factors for AHT for the state population using quantitative survival methods. We identified AHT using diagnostic codes in hospital discharge records defined by the US Centers for Disease Control. A total of 354 AHT hospitalisations were identified and the incidence for the state was 22.8 per 100 000 children under the age of one. Over 11 per cent of these children died. Risk factors included a teenaged mother at the time of birth, births paid for using public insurance, child's low birth weight, and maternal Native American race. The strongest risk factor was a prior CPS allegation, a similar finding to a California study on injury mortality. The practice and policy implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rebbe
- University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph A Mienko
- Center for Social Sector Analytics & Technology, University of Washington School of Social Work, Seattle, WA, USA
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Hung KL. Pediatric abusive head trauma. Biomed J 2020; 43:240-250. [PMID: 32330675 PMCID: PMC7424091 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT), used to be named shaken baby syndrome, is an injury to the skull and intracranial components of a baby or child younger than 5 years due to violent shaking and/or abrupt impact. It is a worldwide leading cause of fatal head injuries in children under 2 years. The mechanism of AHT includes shaking as well as impact, crushing or their various combinations through acceleration, deceleration and rotational force. The diagnosis of AHT should be based on the existence of multiple components including subdural hematoma, intracranial pathology, retinal hemorrhages as well as rib and other fractures consistent with the mechanism of trauma. The differential diagnosis must exclude those medical or surgical diseases that can mimic AHT such as traumatic brain injury, cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, and hypoxic-ischemic injury. As for the treatment, most of the care of AHT is supportive. Vital signs should be maintained. Intracranial pressure, if necessary, should be monitored and controlled to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion pressure. There are potential morbidity and mortality associated with AHT, ranging from mild learning disabilities to severe handicaps and death. The prognosis of patients with AHT correlates with the extent of injury identified on CT and MRI imaging. The outcome is associated with the clinical staging, the extent of increased intracranial pressure and the existence of neurological complications such as acquired hydrocephalus or microcephalus, cortical blindness, convulsive disorder, and developmental delay. AHT is a potentially preventable disease, therefore, prevention should be stressed in all encounters within the family, the society and all the healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Long Hung
- Department of Pediatrics, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Fujiwara T, Isumi A, Sampei M, Yamada F, Miyazaki Y. Effectiveness of using an educational video simulating the anatomical mechanism of shaking and smothering in a home-visit program to prevent self-reported infant abuse: A population-based quasi-experimental study in Japan. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 101:104359. [PMID: 31945514 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A video that simulates the anatomical mechanism of shaking the infant head, which may have a stronger impact on the viewer, and a tool to prevent self-reported smothering in response to crying, has never been investigated. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether watching an educational video at home visit at 2 months postpartum on infant crying and the dangers of shaking and smothering reduces self-reported shaking and smothering behaviors at 4 months postpartum. METHOD In a quasi-experimental study in A city in Japan, the video intervention was implemented at home visits by a midwife, public health nurse or trained volunteers when babies were 2 months old. At the 4-month health checkup, participants received a questionnaire about the video, self-reported shaking and smothering behaviors and other covariates. The impacts of watching the video and self-reported shaking or smothering were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS In total, 5961 caregivers provided valid response for this study (valid response rate: 73.8 %). In the adjusted model, those who watched the video were 74 % less likely to shake their infants (odds ratio (OR): 0.36, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.21-0.64), 43 % were less likely to smother their infants (OR: 0.57, 95 % CI: 0.37-0.89), 52 % were less likely to shake or smother (OR: 0.48, 95 % CI: 0.33-0.69) their infants. CONCLUSION The educational video on infant crying and the dangers of shaking and smothering, with anatomical mechanism of shaking, may halve the risk of self-reported shaking and smothering at 4 months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Fujiwara
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Social Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Aya Isumi
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makiko Sampei
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Social Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fujiko Yamada
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Miyazaki
- Department of Systems and Control Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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Iqbal O'Meara AM, Sequeira J, Miller Ferguson N. Advances and Future Directions of Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: A Review of the Literature. Front Neurol 2020; 11:118. [PMID: 32153494 PMCID: PMC7044347 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is broadly defined as injury of the skull and intracranial contents as a result of perpetrator-inflicted force and represents a persistent and significant disease burden in children under the age of 4 years. When compared to age-matched controls with typically single occurrence accidental traumatic brain injury (TBI), mortality after AHT is disproportionately high and likely attributable to key differences between injury phenotypes. This article aims to review the epidemiology of AHT, summarize the current state of AHT diagnosis, treatment, and prevention as well as areas for future directions of study. Despite neuroimaging advances and an evolved understanding of AHT, early identification remains a challenge for contemporary clinicians. As such, the reported incidence of 10–30 per 100,000 infants per year may be a considerable underestimate that has not significantly decreased over the past several decades despite social campaigns for public education such as “Never Shake a Baby.” This may reflect caregivers in crisis for whom education is not sufficient without support and intervention, or dangerous environments in which other family members are at risk in addition to the child. Acute management specific to AHT has not advanced beyond usual supportive care for childhood TBI, and prevention and early recognition remain crucial. Moreover, AHT is frequently excluded from studies of childhood TBI, which limits the precise translation of important brain injury research to this population. Repeated injury, antecedent abuse or neglect, delayed medical attention, and high rates of apnea and seizures on presentation are important variables to be considered. More research, including AHT inclusion in childhood TBI studies with comparisons to age-matched controls, and translational models with clinical fidelity are needed to better elucidate the pathophysiology of AHT and inform both clinical care and the development of targeted therapies. Clinical prediction rules, biomarkers, and imaging modalities hold promise, though these have largely been developed and validated in patients after clinically evident AHT has already occurred. Nevertheless, recognition of warning signs and intervention before irreversible harm occurs remains the current best strategy for medical professionals to protect vulnerable infants and toddlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Iqbal O'Meara
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jake Sequeira
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Nikki Miller Ferguson
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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