The physical manifestations of shaken baby syndrome

Abstract

Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a great concern for forensic nurses. Accurate diagnosis and treatment is essential. The purpose of this report is to review the history of SBS, as well as the physical symptoms of a patient suspected of suffering from this form of abuse. Implications of SBS for the forensic nurse will be presented; this will include the education of families and caregivers and methods of prevention.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Suggestive of The Diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Newborn

“…A history of osteogenesis imperfecta and coagulopathy should be considered when inquiring the family history. SBS should be considered when the findings obtained from the patient are not consistent with the history given by the family (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12). For the physical abuse, the most frequently observed sign on skin is bruising.…”

“…During the first year of life, 95% (14). A head trauma should be suspected if a baby had coma, convulsion, apnea, bulging fontanelle or increased intracranial pressure (8,15). Subdural hematoma accompanies the clinical picture in 38 to 100% of the cases and usually occurs bilaterally (2,4,9,16).…”

“…In SBS, the second most frequent cause for death is intraabdominal injury due to hits. The affected children may experience repeated vomiting, abdominal swelling, loss of intestinal sounds, localized tenderness, and shock (3,8,13).…”

Abusive head trauma

“…There are several errors that appear throughout the article published in your journal entitled “The physical manifestations of shaken baby syndrome” (Mraz, 2009). We are writing to correct the information to better enhance knowledge in this complex area of child abuse medicine.…”