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A fatal case of colic
1Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|June 1, 1992
Insights
Excessive infant crying can stem from various conditions, not always identifiable in emergency visits. Misdiagnosing unexplained crying as colic may lead to adverse infant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Excessive, prolonged crying in infants is a common concern for parents and healthcare providers.
- Identifying the underlying cause of infant crying is crucial for appropriate management and to prevent adverse outcomes.
Observation:
- Emergency department encounters may not always identify the specific etiology of acute crying episodes.
- Infants presenting with unexplained crying are sometimes discharged with a diagnosis of colic.
Findings:
- The range of potential causes for excessive infant crying is broad.
- Failure to identify the true cause of crying can occur during emergency evaluations.
Implications:
- Discharging infants with unexplained crying under a colic diagnosis may mask serious underlying conditions.
- Further investigation and diagnostic approaches are needed to accurately diagnose and manage infant crying.
Abstract:
The potential causes of excessive, prolonged crying in early infancy represent a broad range of conditions. The underlying etiology causing an acute episode of crying may not be recognized in a single emergency department encounter. An adverse outcome may result when an infant with unexplained crying is discharged with a diagnosis of colic.