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Chemical burn from alkaline batteries--a case report

C L Winek1, W W Wahba, R M Huston

  • 1Duquesne University, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA.

Forensic Science International
|June 5, 1999
PubMed

Insights

A child presented with a severe burn, prompting medical professionals to suspect physical child abuse. This case highlights the importance of recognizing burn injuries as potential indicators of abuse in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Forensic Medicine
  • Child Abuse Research

Background:

  • Pediatric burns require careful evaluation to differentiate accidental injuries from non-accidental trauma.
  • Physicians play a critical role in identifying and reporting suspected cases of child abuse.

Observation:

  • A 2-year-old boy presented with a full-thickness burn on his posterior right thigh.
  • The burn was discovered by his father during treatment for an unrelated ear infection.

Findings:

  • The nature and severity of the burn raised suspicion for physical child abuse.
  • Medical assessment indicated a third-degree burn, necessitating further investigation.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the need for vigilance among healthcare providers in diagnosing pediatric burns.
  • Prompt reporting of suspected abuse is crucial for child protection and intervention.
  • Understanding burn patterns can aid in the forensic evaluation of suspected child maltreatment.

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