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Fatal child abuse by forced water intoxication
1Department of Medicine, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. aarieff@itsa.ucsf.edu
Pediatrics
|June 3, 1999
Summary
Fatal child abuse by forced water intoxication is a newly identified syndrome. This abuse leads to severe hyponatremia and hypoxemia, often resulting in death if not recognized and treated.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Child Abuse Pediatrics
Background:
- Water intoxication is a known cause of brain damage in children.
- Fatal child abuse via forced water intoxication is rarely documented.
Observation:
- A review of homicide cases involving child abuse by forced water intoxication was conducted.
- Three child abuse fatalities due to forced water intoxication were analyzed for abuse types, clinical signs, and autopsy results.
Findings:
- Children presented with seizures, emesis, coma, hypoxemia, and severe hyponatremia after forced water intake.
- Autopsies revealed cerebral edema and aspiration pneumonia; perpetrators were convicted of homicide.
Implications:
- Forced water intoxication is a fatal child abuse syndrome, often preceded by other physical abuse.
- Early recognition of hyponatremia and hypoxemia is crucial for potential treatment and survival.