Non-accidental Trauma Masquerading As Feeding Intolerance in a Six-Month-Old Female.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Infants presenting with fractures require comprehensive evaluation to rule out non-accidental trauma.
• Systemic infections can complicate the diagnostic process in pediatric cases.

Observation:

• A six-month-old infant exhibited feeding intolerance, fever, and leg swelling.
• Imaging identified multiple fractures, including a proximal left intertrochanteric fracture, rib fractures, and tibia fractures.
• Blood cultures revealed bacteremia due to ceftriaxone-resistant *Serratia marcescens*.

Findings:

• The infant received a 10-day antibiotic course for bacteremia.
• Immobilization was achieved using a hip spica cast.
• Metabolic and genetic workups were negative for underlying conditions.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical importance of considering non-accidental trauma in infants with unexplained fractures and concurrent infections.
• Prompt identification and management of both trauma and infection are vital for favorable outcomes in pediatric patients.
• Multidisciplinary evaluation is essential for complex pediatric cases involving trauma and infection.