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Updated: May 28, 2026
07:36
An Experimental Analysis of Children's Ability to Provide a False Report about a Crime
Published on: May 3, 2016
Child abuse: discovering the horrifying truth.
Lee Blair1, Eric Clauss, Mark Meredith
1Monroe Carrel Jr. Children's Hospital, USA. eric.clauss@vanderbilt.edu
JEMS : a Journal of Emergency Medical Services
|October 12, 2011
Summary
This case report highlights a 2-month-old infant presenting with lethargy and poor feeding, ultimately diagnosed with severe child maltreatment. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing signs of abuse in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Emergency Medicine
- Child Abuse
Background:
- Infants presenting with non-specific symptoms like lethargy and poor feeding can be challenging to diagnose.
- Child maltreatment is a significant public health issue with severe consequences for affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of severe child maltreatment in a 2-month-old infant.
- To emphasize the importance of a thorough physical examination and prompt recognition of abuse indicators.
Main Methods:
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a call for a lethargic infant.
- Physical examination revealed multiple bruises in various stages of healing, and diagnostic imaging identified rib fractures.
- The case was investigated, leading to the mother's admission of child abuse.
Main Results:
- The infant exhibited signs of severe physical abuse, including bruising and multiple rib fractures.
- The child required intubation due to apnea in the emergency department.
- The mother confessed to abusing the infant.
Conclusions:
- This case illustrates a severe presentation of child maltreatment requiring urgent medical intervention.
- Healthcare providers must maintain a high index of suspicion for abuse in infants with concerning symptoms and physical findings.
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