Frequency and characteristics of battered child syndrome in patients on a paediatric burns unit: A clinical case review

Abstract

Background: Battered child syndrome is any act of physical, sexual or psychological aggression, negligence or intentional neglect against a minor. Objective: To estimate the frequency and characteristics of battered child syndrome in patients on the Paediatric Burns Unit of the Health Services of the State of Puebla. Materials and methods: In a 1 year and 10 month period, 313 patients under 18 years of age admitted to the Paediatric Burns Unit of the Health Services of the State of Puebla with a diagnosis of burns secondary to battered child syndrome were evaluated and a questionnaire to determine the possibility of child abuse was administered. Results: 13 patients met criteria for suspected abuse; 9 were female and 4 were male. One was an infant, 4 were preschool-age children, 4 were school-age children and 4 were adolescents. The form of abuse was negligence and/or neglect in 62% of cases, physical abuse in 15% of cases, sexual abuse in 15% of cases and psychological abuse in 8% of cases. Conclusions: Having knowledge of and being able to identify battered child syndrome may prevent fatal injuries. It is important to equip healthcare staff on first-contact care units with the knowledge to establish a presumptive diagnosis of child/adolescent abuse. Only through proper investigation of social events may just solutions be sought and implemented.

Keywords

• Battered child syndrome
• Paediatric burns unit
• Child abuse