Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 9, 2025
09:33
Neuronavigated Focalized Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Administered During Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: November 15, 2024
1.6K
Lethal abusive head trauma in infancy in Denmark from 2000 to 2011
Anette Flugt, Lise Frost, Charlotte Søndergaard
1research@milidou.dk, Ioanna.milidou@vest.rm.dk.
Danish Medical Journal
|April 8, 2021
Summary
Lethal abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants is rare in Denmark, with an incidence of 1.04 per 100,000 person-years. Official death records often fail to capture all AHT cases, highlighting data limitations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Pediatric medicine
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a significant cause of infant mortality.
- Accurate incidence data are crucial for understanding the burden of lethal AHT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the incidence of lethal abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants in Denmark (2000-2011).
- To describe autopsy findings and police report details in lethal AHT cases.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide retrospective study utilizing the National Cause of Death Register (CODR) and forensic archives.
- Comparison of data from CODR and forensic sources.
- Collection of medical history, witness statements, and conviction reports from police and prosecution files.
Main Results:
- Eight cases of lethal infant AHT identified (incidence: 1.04 per 100,000 person-years).
- Three AHT cases from autopsy reports were misregistered in the CODR.
- Victims had subdural, subarachnoid, and retinal hemorrhages, along with fractures; perpetrators were convicted male relatives.
- Significant number of infant deaths with unspecific causes and missing autopsy information in CODR.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of lethal infant AHT in Denmark is lower than in most other countries.
- The CODR is insufficient for identifying all lethal AHT cases.
- Further research on non-fatal AHT is needed to determine the true incidence in Denmark.
