[Bruises in infants should always be accounted for]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Forensic Medicine
• Child Health

Background:

• Child abuse is a significant public health issue often underdiagnosed by medical professionals.
• Infants present unique challenges in diagnosing the cause of injuries.

Observation:

• Three male infants under one year of age presented with hematomas.
• One case involved a temporal association with a childminder, though causality was unclear due to a concurrent illness.
• Two cases were diagnosed with inflicted traumatic brain injury, one with an additional tibial fracture, following suspicion of maltreatment.

Findings:

• Hematomas in non-ambulatory infants warrant careful evaluation for potential child abuse.
• Thorough investigation should include assessment for bleeding disorders and a detailed history of injury circumstances.
• Pattern and location of hematomas are critical diagnostic clues.

Implications:

• Early recognition and intervention are crucial in suspected child abuse cases.
• Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for non-accidental trauma in infants presenting with unexplained injuries.
• Ensuring child safety requires prompt action when abuse is identified.