Abstract

LOREDO-ABDALA, Arturo et al. Child abuse and sudden infant death syndrome: strategies for differential diagnoses. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2006, vol.63, n.4, pp.269-275. ISSN 1665-1146.

In the last 2 decades there has been an alarming increase in violent behavior which has resulted in severe injuries to children, that is, child abuse (CA). There is a large number of forms of child aggression, physical abuse being one of them (PHA). While it is not the most common, it may be the cause of severe bodily and emotional harm; it may present as a subtle event or as major aggression which could be fatal. The sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is an unexpected and sudden occurrence for which no clinical nor autopsy explanation can be given. There are reports on the possible relation between PHA and the CA based on the fact that between 3.5 and 5% of the cases of SIDS are actually instances of CA. The incidence of this problem in Mexico is not known. Given the great similarity of family and social history as well as initial clinical findings in both settings, the accurate diagnosis is very difficult. In order to make an accurate diagnosis between these 2 conditions, we propose in this paper a specific approach to be followed by every professional involved in child care, especially by those who handle cases of violence in this age group.

Keywords : Battered child abuse; sudden infant death syndrome; unexpected child death; integral child care.

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