Visualization of Old Bruises in Children
Ultraviolet Radiation and Forensics In forensics, ultraviolet radiation is used to enhance injuries of the skin. It has been reported that ultraviolet radiation can help visualize an old bruise and can also estimate the shape of the object that caused the bruise. For example, where bruising was faint, old and difficult to recognize, ultraviolet radiation […]
Is it Neglect or Failure to Thrive? {Child/Elder Abuse}
Neglect is not a straightforward issue in medicine or law. A review of the records by a forensic medical expert may be beneficial in determining if there are underlying issues that are contributing to the child’s health status. In our practice we are most often called in on physical neglect cases to review and determine […]
Bruises and Bones – When is it child abuse?
Child abuse cases are emotionally driven for everyone involved. Expert review for both sides is imperative to ensure that the facts of the case are brought to light. The healthcare providers are emotionally connected to the patient and this may affect their ability to remain unbiased. A forensic expert can review of the discovery and […]
Considering abuse in SIDS
Findings that raise suspicion for abuse include malnutrition or neglect and injuries to the skin such as bruising, traumatic lesions, and abnormalities of the head and/or body. In the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Policy on Distinguishing SIDS from Child Abuse Fatalities, it is stated that the death of an infant may be attributed to SIDS […]
SIDS: Physical/Autopsy Findings
Three common autopsy findings in the pathophysiology of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are unclotted blood in the heart, intrathoracic petechiae (small red spots inside the thoracic cavity caused by bleeding), and fluid-filled heavier organs. Other findings that are consistent with SIDS include the following: Serosanguineous watery, frothy, or mucous-like drainage from the mouth or nose; Reddish-blue […]
SIDS: Causes & Risk Factors
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is typically associated with a period of sleep, and in most cases no signs of distress are apparent. Some of the causes of SIDS include low birth weight, recent respiratory infection, side or stomach sleeping, sleeping on a soft surface, hyperthermia, and sleeping with parents. Research examination of the brain stems of […]
What is SIDS?
The sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of a seemingly healthy infant under one year of age is known as SIDS. The age at peak incidence is 2-4 months, with 90% of cases being less than 7 months of age. SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it is only diagnosed after a thorough death scene […]
Munchausen’s: Criminal Implications
Munchausen’s Syndrome is considered a form of medical child abuse in terms of physical abuse and medical neglect. This type of abuse is considered to be pre-meditated. Medical providers are considered a mandatory reporting entity, but many do not recognize the syndrome or get “sucked into” the sympathy for the caregiver. “Even when fabricated illness […]
Munchausen’s: The Offender
What the Caregiver Might Do to Mimic Illness in the Child: Adding chemicals to the child’s urine or stool Withhold food so the child looks like they are anorexic Make up lab results to be abnormal Give the child drugs to make the child throw up or have diarrhea and abdominal pain Infect an intravenous […]
Munchausen’s: The Victim
According to the literature, boys and girls are equally victimized in Munchausen’s Syndrome, and 77% to 90% of the time, the perpetrator is the child’s biological mother. In addition, 29% of perpetrators have symptoms of Munchausen Syndrome themselves. What the Victim Might Look Like: Failure to thrive due to nutritional neglect Child has a history […]
