Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: Multicentric Experience in Mexico

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Child Abuse
• Forensic Medicine

Background:

• Abusive head trauma (AHT) presents significant morbidity and mortality.
• Misdiagnosis of AHT is common in developing countries due to non-specific symptoms and limited physician awareness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize children with AHT, their families, and caregivers.
• To identify clinical signs for AHT suspicion and aid medical-legal case resolution.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of children with suspected AHT in emergency rooms across three Mexican hospitals.
• Data collection via parental questionnaires and review of clinical/radiological records.

Main Results:

• 15 infants (median age 5 months, 73.33% male) were included.
• Only 33.33% of AHT cases were suspected upon emergency department admission.
• Irritability (66%) and multiple caregivers (73.33%) were common. Acute symptoms presented in 53.33%.

Conclusions:

• Physicians should prioritize AHT diagnosis in infants with sudden seizures, cardiorespiratory dysfunction, or unexplained death.
• Infants with a history of irritability warrant heightened suspicion for AHT.