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Severe Physical Child Abuse Presenting as Septic Shock: A Case Report of Traumatic Hemoperitoneum
Madalena Carvalho1, Catarina Nunes1, Rita Martins1
1Pediatrics Service, Department of Child, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal.
Insights
Child maltreatment, including abuse and neglect, is often missed. A 3-year-old boy initially treated for sepsis was diagnosed with severe physical abuse after imaging revealed internal bleeding, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Child maltreatment is a significant public health issue affecting children under 18.
- It is frequently underdiagnosed, leading to delayed or missed interventions.
- Healthcare providers must remain aware of its potential presence even in critically ill children.
Abstract:
Child maltreatment refers to the abuse and neglect of children under the age of 18 and is a prevalent social problem that often goes undetected. To emphasize the importance of this diagnosis, we present the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented in shock with altered consciousness, initially managed as sepsis, but was ultimately diagnosed with severe physical abuse after imaging revealed a traumatic hemoperitoneum. With this article, we aim to remind healthcare providers to consider this diagnosis, even in severely ill children.
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