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.