Child Abuse

II. Definitions

Child Abuse (Child Maltreatment, U.S. Health and human services definition)
1. Recent act or failure to act on part of parent or caretaker
2. Results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation or
3. Imminent risk of serious harm
Nonaccidental Trauma
1. Any non-accidental physical injury (e.g. biting, hitting, kicking burning) or
2. A non-accidental action that results in a physical Impairment of a child
Neglect
1. Parental omissions in care that results in actual or potential harm to a child
2. Child's basic physical, emotional, educational or medical needs are not met in a consistent pattern

III. Epidemiology

Third leading U.S. cause of death age 1 to 4 years old in 2009
1. Annual U.S. Incidence estimated at 3.5 deaths per 100,000 children age <4 years
Incidence: 4 to 6 million alleged maltreatment cases referred to U.S. child protection per year
1. Evidence of maltreatment found in 9 of 1000 children (0.9%) after investigation
Demographics of Child Abuse (based on 1995 data, National Child Abuse and Neglect Data Systems)
1. Offenders
  1. Parents: 80% of cases
  2. Caretakers at daycare, or nursery school: 2%
  3. Abuse is rarely a single event, but rather one of repeated and increasing Violence
  4. Perpetrators cross all socioeconomic , ethnic, racial, gender and setting boundaries
2. Types of abuse
  1. Neglect: 52%
  2. Physical abuse: 25%
3. Ages of abused children
  1. Most abused children are under age 6 months
  2. Age 7 years old or younger: 50%

IV. Types: Abuse

Neglect
1. Most common form of Child Maltreatment, and accounts for 73% of child fatalities
2. Physical neglect includes inadequate hygiene, nutrition, shelter and clothing
  1. Includes environmental hazard exposure (e.g. ingestions)
  2. Includes inadequate supervision (e.g. abandonment, expulsion)
  3. Includes malnourishment or Failure to Thrive (also impacted by poverty, food insecurity)
3. Medical neglect is refusing or delaying appropriate medical care
  1. Includes presentations with advanced medical or dental disease (also with low health literacy)
4. Emotional neglect is inadequate nurturing or affection
  1. Includes exposure to Violence (e.g. Intimate Partner Violence)
  2. Includes permission to abuse Alcohol or drugs
  3. Includes delayed mental health care
Physical abuse (Nonaccidental Trauma)
1. Any non-accidental physical injury (e.g. biting, hitting, kicking burning) or
2. A non-accidental action that results in a physical Impairment of a child
Psychological Maltreatment or Emotional Abuse
1. Repeated patterns of Caregiver behavior or extreme incidents
2. Children interpret that they are worthless, unloved, unwanted or flawed
Sexual Abuse
1. See Sexual Abuse in Children

V. Precautions

Child Abuse is a commonly missed diagnosis with potentially devestating consequences
1. Initially missed abusive Head Injury: 30% of cases
2. Initially missed abusive Fractures: 20% of cases
3. Identify Child Abuse early, when it is still associated with minor injury
Consider every injury and illness in a child in the context of the reported history, mechanism and developmental stage
1. Persistent Vomiting without Diarrhea despite >1-3 days of illness (consider Head Injury)
2. Falls in under age 3 years old (and especially under age 6 months) should be considered carefully
3. Consider Consultation with a Child Abuse expert if a presentation raises a red flag
4. Cardiac Arrest in young children (or BRUE)

VI. Pathophysiology

Negative Parenting Behaviors are at risk of progressing to abuse
Emotional abuse is a precursor to physical abuse
Child Maltreatment may significantly impact physical, neurologic and intellectual development

VII. Risk Factors

Child
1. Chronic illness
2. Behavioral Disorder
3. Physical Disability
4. Preterm Infant
5. Unplanned Pregnancy
Caregiver
1. Alcohol or Substance Abuse
2. Victim of abuse (e.g. Intimate Partner Violence)
3. Mental Illness (e.g. Major Depression)
4. Criminal History
5. Young parental age
6. Low self esteem
7. Low educational level
8. Poverty
9. Poor impulse control
10. Single parent home
11. Non-biologically related adult living in the same home

VIII. History: Questions

History of event or injury
1. Ask a careful history and document specific details
  1. What happened?
  2. Where were you and the child when this happened?
  3. Who else was there?
  4. When did this happen?
  5. What made you concerned?
  6. Why did you not come in sooner?
  7. Last known well time of the child?
  8. How did the child appear before and after event?
  9. What was the child wearing at the time of the injury?
  10. What objects were around the child when injured?
2. Ask the patient (if old enough) what happened without parents present in the room
3. Abusive parents may blame an older sibling or family dog for the injury
4. Avoid asking leading questions that supply the potential abuser with an excuse
5. Record the history with specific quotes from children and parents or Caregivers
Perform a Trauma-informed history of the child
1. Stay seated for the interview
2. Discuss confidentiality, trust, safety
3. Ask open-ended questions in a nonjudgemental manner
4. Explain why sensitive questions (e.g. sex) are asked
Medical History
1. Maternal pregnancy, perinatal and birth history
2. Prior injuries or Trauma
3. Congenital disorders or hospitalizations
4. Developmental history (milestones met?)
Family History
1. Bleeding Disorders
2. Bone disorders (e.g. osteogenesis imperfecta)
3. Genetic disorders
Social history
1. Discipline techniques
2. Child fussiness or hyperactivity
3. Abuse history in child, siblings or parent (Domestic Violence)
4. Substance Abuse by others in the same home
5. Financial or social stressors
6. Violent Behavior in the home
7. Criminal history of others in home
8. Mental health problems of family members

IX. History: Red Flags

Caregiver response to significant injury
1. No history or unclear history from Caregiver
2. Denial of Trauma by Caregiver despite obvious injury
3. Inadequate history to explain severity of injury
4. History is incongruent with the child's physical and developmental capabilities
5. Unexplained delay in seeking medical care for the injured child
Inconsistent history from Caregivers
1. Important details to the history change over time
2. Differing history from different Caregivers and witnesses

X. Screening: Tools

SPUTOVAMO-R2 Checklist
1. Any positive answer of 5 questions suggests higher suspicion injury
2. History consistent with injury, interaction appropriate, parents responded with appropriate measures without delay
Pediatric Hurt Insult Threaten Scream Sex Questionnaire (PedHITSS)
1. Evaluates for abuse exposure

XI. Symptoms: Behavior Indicators of Abuse

Wary of adult contact
Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (ALTE, BRUE)
Apprehensive when others cry
1. Concerned that the crying is their fault
2. Fear that punishment is occurring and they are next
Behavior extremes
1. Introverted, isolated, and social withdrawal
2. Out of control anger, aggressive, violent or oppositional
3. Unconsolable Crying or Fussy Infant (broad differential)
Unexplained Developmental Delay
1. Speech Delay
2. Motor skill delay
Comorbidity
Emotional Abuse Indicators
1. Speech disorders such as Stuttering or slurred speech
2. Delayed Physical growth
3. Failure to Thrive

XII. Exam: Approach

Perform exam with a chaperone present
Documentation of exam
1. Obtain consent if possible (optional)
2. Photograph all injuries in color
  1. Use a ruler in the photograph to document size
3. Take two or more pictures (e.g. AP and lateral) each from three different orientations
  1. Full body
  2. Medium range
  3. Close-up
4. Photograph injuries before treatment
  1. Repeat photographs hours or days later
5. Patient's face should be included in 1 or more photos
6. Label each photo with name, date, date of injury
  1. Also record photographer and those present at exam
7. Seal photos in envelope marked confidential
  1. Maintain chain of custody
8. Background color
  1. Photograph skin against a blue background
  2. Photograph other areas against a neutral background
9. Consider ultraviolet light
  1. Accentuates bite wounds
Avoid interfering with formal evidence exam when indicated
1. Sexual Assualt Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam
2. Child Abuse specialist

XIII. Exam: Key Regions

See Child Sexual Abuse
Perform a head to toe exam with the patient in a gown
Height, weight and Head Circumference
Alertness
1. Decreased Glasgow Coma Scale requires immediate evaluation for serious Head Injury
Scalp exam
1. Traction Alopecia
2. Bulging Fontanelle
Ear exam
1. Bruising or hemotympanum
Mouth Exam
1. Dental Caries may suggest neglect
2. Oral Lesion such as torn frenulum, chipped teeth or mucosal lesion (e.g. forced feeding in a Fussy Infant)
3. Mandible injury associated with grabbing the face or holding the child down
Fundoscopic exam (typically performed by ophthalmology with images obtained)
1. Retinal Hemorrhages
  1. Specific for abusive Head Injury
  2. Not associated with CPR or accidental injury (except possibly at posterior pole)
Palpate for tenderness or deformity
1. Scalp, neck, and torso
2. Extremities
Neurologic Exam
1. Assess for Closed Head Injury and Spinal Cord Injury
2. Assess for Altered Level of Consciousness (e.g. Abusive Head Trauma of Infancy)
Skin exam
1. Bruising or marks

XIV. Signs: Physical Abuse Indicators

Most common sentinel injuries in pre-mobile infants
1. Bruising (50% of cases will be found concerning for abuse)
2. Oral injuries (esp. frenulum injury)
3. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
  1. Traumatic in nearly all causes (contrast with spontaneous in adults)
  2. Predicts concurrent Bruising (27%), Fractures (up to 46%), Intracranial Hemorrhage (up to 15%)
Lesions show unusual distribution, location, pattern
1. Lesions appear as handprint or bite mark
2. Lesions characteristic of Cigarette burn
3. Lesions limited to hands and feet
4. Lesions in various stages of healing
5. Bruising at bilateral ears (Boxing ears)
Red Flag presentations
1. Significant delay in seeking care
2. Story inconsistent with the injury
  1. Infants under 3-4 months of age should not be able to "roll off the bed"
3. Bruising in infants <6 months old or to Abdomen, ear, neck or in an organized pattern
  1. See TEN-4 Rule below
4. Atypical Fractures as listed below
  1. Long bone Fractures in non-ambulatory infants
  2. Bucket handle Fractures
  3. Scapula, Sternum, or spinous processs Fractures
5. Oropharyngeal injury in non-mobile infant (e.g. something shoved in mouth to pacify a Crying Infant)
  1. Torn Tongue frenulum injury
  2. Chipped teeth in a non-mobile infant
  3. Oral Mucosal injury
6. Significant Closed Head Injury
  1. Retinal Hemorrhage
  2. Subdural Hemorrhage or Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
  3. Complex Skull Fractures
  4. Post-Traumatic Seizure
Red Flag Fractures
1. Fractures in various stages of healing
2. Scapula Fracture
3. Sternum Fracture
4. Spinous process Fracture or Vertebral body Fracture
5. Rib Fractures (especially posterior Rib Fractures)
  1. Rib Fractures under age 3 years, 82% are Child Abuse
  2. Posterior Rib Fractures occur with anterior-posterior chest compression (squeezing of chest)
  3. Barsness (2003) J Trauma 54(6): 1107-10 [PubMed]
6. Metaphyseal avulsion Fractures (Bucket-Handle Fracture, metaphyseal Corner or chip Fracture)
  1. Occurs secondary to a Whiplash-like injury of an extremity (shearing forces)
  2. Pathognomonic for Child Abuse in infants
  3. Bucket handle Fractures (mataphyseal chip Fractures) are due to forceful twisting or pulling
7. Long bone Fractures in Children age <2 years (especially non-ambulatory infant)
  1. Exception: MVA or other serious witnessed injury
  2. Long bone Fractures in infants are associated with a 20% Incidence of Child Abuse
  3. Bilateral long bone Fractures are higher risk for abuse
  4. Femur Fractures
    1. Femur Fractures under age 12 months are associated with abuse in 33% of cases
    2. Femur Fractures over age 12-18 months are associated with abuse in 1.5 to 6.0% of cases
    3. Metaphyseal Fractures are associated with abuse in 50-75% of cases
    4. Wood (2004) BMC Pediatr 14:169 [PubMed]
Red Flag Bruising or Marks
1. Bruising in non-ambulatory infants (“If they don’t cruise, they don’t Bruise”)
2. Not explained by comorbidity
  1. Bleeding Disorder
  2. Collagen vascular disorder
3. Not explained by increased mobility of children over 6 months
  1. Expect typical Bruising on the shins, Forearms and forehead in toddlers
  2. Bruising should not occur on the torso without blunt Trauma
  3. Bruising on the ear may be associated with yanking on the child's ear
  4. Bruising should not ooccur on the neck without Strangulation or other intentional injury
4. Bruising patterns
  1. Belt marks
  2. Cigarette burns
5. TEN-4-FACES
  1. TEN-4 Rule (positive criteria requires additional evaluation)
    1. Bruising on Torso, Ear or Neck (TEN) in a child 4 years old or younger OR
    2. Bruising on any child younger than 4 months (those who don't cruise, don't Bruise)
  2. FACES Rule
    1. Brusing at the frenulum, angle Mandible, cheek, Eyelid or Sclera
6. References
  1. Pierce (2010) Pediatrics 125(1): 67-74 [PubMed]

XV. Signs: Injury Locations

Head and Neck
1. Skull (1%)
2. Brain (1%)
3. Head or scalp (7%)
4. Face (1%)
5. Eye (5%)
6. Nose (1%)
7. Mouth (1%)
8. Neck (3%)
Torso
1. Back (10%)
2. Chest (5%)
3. Abdomen (4%)
4. Genitals or Perineum (2%)
Extremities
1. Shoulders (3%)
2. Arms (10%)
3. Hands or Wrists (4%)
4. Hips or Buttock (12%)
5. Thighs (9%)
6. Legs (8%)
7. Feet (2%)

XVI. Signs: Injury Types

Welts
Lacerations
Burns
1. Consider burn specialist Consultation to discuss burn pattern and circumstances
2. Take pictures of Burn Injury
Fractures
1. See Red Flag injuries listed above
2. Spiral Fractures may not be as pathognomonic for Child Abuse as previously thought
  1. Toddler's Fracture of the tibia are spiral and seen in typical Trauma
3. Consider repeat xrays in 10-14 days after suspected injury if initial xrays are non-diagnostic
4. Fractures (aside from Skull Fractures) heal at predictable times and offer forensic evidence
  1. Acute Fractures evident within 4 days of injury
  2. Subperiosteal new bone forms by days 5 to 14
  3. Callus forms by days 10 to 14
5. Red Flags (see above)
  1. Complex Skull Fractures
  2. Scapula or Sternum Fractures
  3. Rib Fractures (esp. posterior Fractures)
  4. Spinous process Fractures
  5. Metaphyseal avulsion Fractures (Bucket-handle Fractures), esp. around the knees and ankles
  6. Non-ambulatory infant with long bone Fractures
Abrasions
1. Hour 0-6: Raw surface, oozing blood or clear fluid
2. Hour 6-24: Dry, erythematous lesion
3. Hour >24: Scab formation
Bruises
1. Undress the child for exam (Bruises are commonly missed)
2. Red Flags (see signs above)
  1. Bilaterally symmetric Bruising, with clear pattern (especially central, e.g, over Abdomen)
  2. Buttocks and back are not typically injured accidentally (even in older children)
  3. Non-ambulatory infants (especially under age 6 months)
    1. Isolated Bruising without other signs of injury
      1. Associated with brain or Abdominal Injury in 50% of cases
    2. Those who don't cruise, rarely Bruise
      1. Sugar (1999) Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 153: 399-403 [PubMed]
  4. Bruising on Abdomen, neck, ear, under chin
    1. Bruising on the shins, Forearms and forehead are expected in active ambulatory children
3. Color (listed for historical purpose, it is however unreliable as an indicator of injury timing)
  1. Days 0-2: Swelling and tenderness
  2. Days 2-5: Red, blue or purple coloration
  3. Days 5-7: Greenish hue
  4. Days 7-10: Yellow appearance
  5. Days 10-14: Brown discoloration
  6. Days 14-32: Clear appearance

XVII. Labs

Coagulation studies (for concerning Bruising, Intracranial Hemorrhage)
1. Complete Blood Count, Platelets
2. Prothrombin Time (INR)
3. Partial thromboplastic time
4. Von Willebrand Factor Antigen and activity
5. Factor 8 and Factor 9 Levels
Altered Level of Consciousness or signs CNS Trauma
1. Coagulation studies as above
2. Consider additional testing for DIC (e.g. Fibrinogen, D-Dimer)
3. Glutaric Aciduria Type 1 screen
  1. Urine organic acids profile
  2. Serum Amino Acids
Abdominal Trauma labs
1. Fecal Occult Blood Testing (Abdominal Trauma)
2. Liver Function Tests, especially AST and ALT (Abdominal Trauma)
3. Lipase or amylase (Abdominal Trauma)
4. Urinalysis with microscopic exam (Abdominal Trauma)
Unexplained Fractures
1. Serum Calcium
2. Serum Phosphorus
3. Serum Alkaline Phosphatase
4. Parathyroid Hormone
5. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D
6. Consider Vitamin C Level
7. Consider osteogenesis imperfecta testing (e.g. COL1A1, COL1A2)
8. Considder Menkes Syndrome testing (e.g. Ceruplasmin, serum Copper)
Toxicology
1. Urine toxicology
Other evaluation to consider
1. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
2. Neonatal Sepsis evaluation
3. Newborn Screening

XVIII. Imaging

Red Flags
1. See Non-Accidental Trauma Related Fractures
Skeletal Survey XRays
1. Avoid single view whole-body XRay or "babygram" (inadequate and not helpful)
2. Consider transfer to a center skilled in Skeletal Surveys to perform these 20-21 images
3. See Skeletal Survey for Indications and XRay protocol
4. Perform in all suspected cases under age 2 years (positive in up to 20% of cases)
  1. Consider in ages 2-5 years old (per AAP guidelines)
  2. Consider repeating in 10-14 days for occult Fracture
5. Also indicated for unexplained Fracture or Rib Fracture <2 years old
  1. Exceptions: Toddler's Fracture, Distal radius or ulna buckle Fracture
6. Indicated for any Fracture in <1 year old
  1. Exception: Simple linear Skull Fracture attributable to fall
Rib Fractures
1. Oblique rib films may better demonstrate posterior Rib Fractures
2. Rib Fractures overall are unusual in younger children, esp. age <2 years (aside from major Trauma)
  1. Children have very compliant chest walls making Rib Fractures uncommon
  2. Probability of Non-accidental Trauma 71% for Rib Fractures without major Trauma
3. Posterior or posteromedial Rib Fractures (without history of MVA or metabolic bone disease)
  1. Seen especially in infants related to compression from assailant's fingers wrapped around chest
  2. Highly predictive of Nonaccidental Trauma in age <3 years (PPV 95%)
Head Imaging
1. Abusive Head Injury has 20% mortality and serious neurologic sequelae in 60-80%
2. Indications
  1. Head imaging is indicated in most cases of suspected Child Abuse in younger children (esp. <12 months)
  2. Obtain if suspected Head Injury (e.g. Altered Mental Status, bulging Fontanelle)
  3. Obtain in high risk cases
    1. Age < 6 months
    2. Facial Bruising
    3. Rib Fractures
    4. Multiple Fractures
3. Imaging Modalities
  1. Skull XRay is not adequate
  2. CT Head
    1. Emergency department in Unstable Patients (e.g. Altered Level of Consciousness)
    2. Ask for 3-D reconstructions of CT for evaluation of Skull Fractures
  3. MRI Brain
    1. Defer CT in favor of routine MRI Brain in stable, neurologically intact patients (preferred)
    2. May obtain MRI within 3-7 days after initial evaluation
    3. MRI Brain may also be performed acutely in stable patients not requiring sedation for imaging
  4. MRI Cervical Spine
    1. Evaluate for ligamentous Cervical Spine Injury if head imaging demonstrates intracranial injury
Abdominal CT Indications (Ultrasound alone is insufficient)
1. Increased AST or ALT >80 IU/L (associated with 20% positive Abdominal CT) or
2. History of being struck in Abdomen or
3. Exam with abdominal Bruising or tenderness
Other imaging to consider
1. Bone scan
  1. Demonstrate occult Fracture up to 2 weeks after injury

XIX. Differential Diagnosis: Mimics

Precautions
1. Mimics are identified in <5% of Child Abuse investigations
2. Evaluation for mimics should occur in parallel with Child Abuse evaluation (rather than defer it)
3. Identifying a Child Abuse mimic does not rule-out concurrent abuse
  1. Despite mimic diagnosis, high suspicion for Child Abuse persists in >25% of cases
  2. Children with comorbid medical conditions are at 3 fold higher risk for Child Abuse
  3. Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. Rickets, Scurvy) may be seen with child neglect
See Inconsolable Crying in Infants
Altered Mental Status and Intracranial Injury Mimics
1. See Abusive Head Trauma of Infancy (Shaken Baby Syndrome)
2. See Seizure Causes
3. Neonatal Sepsis
4. Benign subarachnoid space enlargement
  1. Associated with subarachnoid fluid collections and Macrocephaly
  2. Asymptomatic and typically incidental finding
5. Skull Fracture from Birth Trauma
  1. Increased risk with instrumentation
  2. Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage may be asymptomatic and resolve by 4 months of age
6. Metabolic Disorders (e.g. Inborn Errors of Metabolism)
  1. Glutaric Aciduria Type 1 (Autosomal Recessive)
    1. Associated with cerebral atrophy, widened fissures, Basal Ganglia lesions
    2. Subdural and arachnoid space widening with tearing of bridging veins
      1. Associated with subdural and Retinal Hemorrhage
  2. Menkes Syndrome (X-Linked)
    1. Copper transport mutation resulting in friable vessels
    2. Associated with Intracranial Hemorrhage (and intraabdominal Hemorrhage)
    3. Presents with Seizure Disorder, hypotonia and brittle hair
Abusive Fracture mimics
1. Osteogenesis imperfecta
2. Osteopenia of prematurity or chronic illness
3. Vitamin D Dependent Rickets
4. Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy)
5. Menkes Syndrome (kinky hair syndrome)
6. Birth Trauma
7. Congenital Syphilis
Abusive Bruise mimics
1. Dermal Melanocytes (Mongolian Spot)
2. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
3. Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
4. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
5. Leukemia
6. Hematologic Disorders (e.g. Hemophilia, Von Willebrand Disease)
Abusive Burn Mimics
1. Phytophotodermatitis
  1. May result in a patterned Sunburn (in regions of sensitized skin)
  2. King (2024) Pediatr Dermatol 41(2): 215-20 [PubMed]
2. Diaper Dermatitis
  1. Ingested irritants may cause diaper-region burn-like injury (similar to immersion burn)
  2. Examples: Citric acid, senna Laxatives
3. Bullous Impetigo
  1. May appear similar to a Cigarette burn
  2. Impetigo lesions will have surrounding scale (collarette)
4. Ecthyma (Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus)
  1. Deeper Skin Infections that complicate minor Skin Trauma
  2. May appear similar to a Cigarette burn
Sexual Abuse Mimics
1. Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus
2. Irritant dermatitis or Irritant Vaginitis
3. Local infections (e.g. Perianal Streptococcal Dermatitis)
4. Normal anal dilation
5. Normal skin variants and growths
  1. Perianal Skin Tag
  2. Hymenal tags
  3. Periurethral bands
  4. Intravaginal ridges
  5. Anogenital Hyperpigmentation

XX. Prognosis

Undiagnosed Child Abuse is associated with 25% mortality rate in 2 years
Child Abuse strong risk factor for adult crime behavior
1. 908 cases of Child Abuse 1967-1971 in midwest
  1. followed arrest record through mid-1994
2. Significantly higher rate of crime and of Violence
3. African American Males had much higher risks
4. Maxfield (1996) Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 150:390-5 [PubMed]
Investigation Results
1. 58% of investigations were found not substantiated
2. 36% were found substantiated or maltreatment present
3. National Child Abuse and Neglect Data Systems [PubMed]
Protective Factors
1. Child with above average cognition
2. Child's belief in own ability to control their destiny
3. Child's self impulse control and modulation
4. Child's high self esteem and sense of self worth
5. Child involvement in extracurricular activities or hobbies
6. Spirituality or involvement in religious community
7. Caregiver Support network

XXI. Evaluation: Age Based

Age <6 to 12 months
1. Complete Skin Exam
2. Skeletal Survey (initial and repeated 1-2 weeks later)
3. Neuroimaging
Age 12 to 24 months
1. Complete Skin Exam
2. Skeletal Survey (initial and repeated 1-2 weeks later)
Age >=24 months
1. Complete Skin Exam
2. Focused imaging based on careful exam

XXII. Evaluation: Injury Based

Bruising
1. Evaluate differential diagnosis (esp. Bleeding Disorders)
2. Evaluate for occult Abdominal Trauma (see labs and imaging above)
Fractures
1. Evaluate differential diagnosis (esp. metabolic bone disease)
2. Evaluate for occult Abdominal Trauma (see labs and imaging above)
Abusive Head Trauma
1. Evaluate differential diagnosis (esp. Bleeding Disorders)
2. Evaluate for occult Abdominal Trauma (see labs and imaging above)
3. MRI Brain and MRI Spine
4. Dilated Eye Exam (ophthalmology)

XXIII. Management

Report all cases of suspected Child Abuse (medical providers are mandated reporters)
1. Contact local social services
Consultations
1. Ophthalmology for dilated Eye Exam (all cases age<2 years)
  1. Evaluate for Retinal Hemorrhages, typically with Retinal images obtained
  2. Significant Retinal Hemorrhages are extremely rare with accidental Trauma
2. Dental Consultation (if bite present to find source)
3. Burn specialist (if Burn Injury present)
Keep careful and accurate documentation
1. See Exam above
Consider hospitalization for evaluation and treatment of Child Abuse or neglect
1. Consult tertiary Child Abuse resources
Approach to accompanying adult with child
1. Develop initial rapport with child and adults
2. State role as the advocate of the child, and mandated duty to report concerns
3. Avoid confrontational tone
4. Ask adults accompanying child to step out for child's interview (if age allows a history)
5. Describe the Non-accidental Trauma concern
  1. "When I see injuries like this, without a clear mechanism, I worry someone may have harmed your child"
  2. "We do not want to miss Trauma that you are unaware of, or that someone is trying to harm your child"
  3. "Have you worried that someone may be harming your child?"
6. Describe the red flags: "This injury is more severe than what we would expect from this fall"
7. Describe the medical reasons for evaluation
  1. "We do not want to miss a serious underlying cause for brittle bones"
8. Describe the evaluation
  1. "We need to check XRays and CT to look for other injuries and to check blood tests to look for other disorders"
9. Explain the need to involve other agencies to ensure safety (mandated reporting)
  1. Notify accompanying adults when involving police or child protection
  2. Do not notify adults if child is returning home with them (may put the child in danger of escalating injury)

XXIV. Complications

High Risk Behaviors
1. High risk sexual behavior (Sexually Transmitted Infection, Unplanned Pregnancy)
2. Substance Abuse
3. Revictimization
Secondary medical conditions
Secondary mental health conditions

XXV. Prevention

Inquire about social history at clinic visits
Teach Positive Parenting Techniques
1. Positive Parenting Program (Triple-P)
2. Home Visitation Programs for high risk parents (e.g. Nurse Family Partnership, Healthy Families America, MESCH)
3. Discipline Without Shouting or Spanking (book by Unell and Wyckoff)
Address parental frustrations
1. Discuss parental coping skills
2. Offer anticipatory guidance for challenges at each developmental stage
3. Discuss response and coping with child crying
4. Discuss Discipline techniques
Anticipate children at higher risk for abuse
1. Discuss respite care for children with disabilities
Be alert for parental risk factors for abuse
1. Intimate Partner Violence
2. Postpartum Depression
Early intervention if emotional abuse suspected

XXVI. Resources

Child Welfare Information Gateway
1. http://www.childwelfare.gov
ChildHelp USA
1. http://childhelpusa.org
Tennyson Center for Children
1. http://www.childabuse.org
Child Abuse Evaluation and Treatment Medical Providers
1. http://www.ChildAbuseMD.com

XXVII. References

Gardiner (2018) Crit Dec Emerg Med 37(5): 3-14
Canto and Moreno (2026) Crit Dec Emerg Med 40(8): 30-7
Claudius, Behar and Lindberg in Herbert (2014) EM:Rap 14(1):14-16
Johnson (2024) Mayo Clinic Pediatric Days, attended lecture 1/16/2024
Pomeranz (2015) Crit Dec Emerg Med 29(7): 2-9
Pomeranz (2021) Crit Dec Emerg Med 35(1): 3-10
Swaminathan and Horowitz in Herbert (2019) EM:Rap 19(6):16
(2000) Pediatrics 105:1345-8 [PubMed]
Kocher (2000) J Am Acad Orthop Surg 8:10-20 [PubMed]
Kodner (2013) Am Fam Physician 88(10): 669-75 [PubMed]
Lane (2003) Clin Fam Pract 5:493-514 [PubMed]
McDonald (2007) Am Fam Physician 75:221-8 [PubMed]
Suniega (2022) Am Fam Physician 105(5): 521-8 [PubMed]

II. Definitions

III. Epidemiology

IV. Types: Abuse

V. Precautions

VI. Pathophysiology

VII. Risk Factors

VIII. History: Questions

IX. History: Red Flags

X. Screening: Tools

XI. Symptoms: Behavior Indicators of Abuse

XII. Exam: Approach

XIII. Exam: Key Regions

XIV. Signs: Physical Abuse Indicators

XV. Signs: Injury Locations

XVI. Signs: Injury Types

XVII. Labs

XVIII. Imaging

XIX. Differential Diagnosis: Mimics

XX. Prognosis

XXI. Evaluation: Age Based

XXII. Evaluation: Injury Based

XXIII. Management

XXIV. Complications

XXV. Prevention

XXVI. Resources

XXVII. References

Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)

Related Studies

Related Topics in Domestic Abuse

Search other sites for 'Child Abuse'