Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
Published on: October 31, 2025
Prevalence of Abuse-Specific Injuries in Infants With Prior Injury Evaluated for Abuse
Nara Cho1, Kristin G Crichton1, Sara Helwig2,3
1The Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus, Ohio.
Insights
Infants with a history of prior injury are more likely to have abuse-specific injuries identified during evaluation for suspected physical abuse. This highlights the need for thorough assessments in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Abuse Pediatrics
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Physical abuse is a significant cause of infant morbidity, often underdiagnosed in cases with minor injuries.
- Underdiagnosis increases the risk of recurrent and escalating violence against infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of abuse-specific injuries in infants with and without a history of prior injury.
- To identify risk factors associated with the identification of abuse-specific injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, multicenter study of infants (<12 months) evaluated for suspected physical abuse.
- Comparison of injury identification rates between infants with and without prior injury history.
- Logistic regression analysis to assess the association between prior injury and abuse-specific injury identification.
Main Results:
- 13% of 2352 infants had a history of prior injury.
- Infants with prior injury showed significantly higher rates of abuse-specific injury identification (45% vs 22%).
- Prior injury was associated with 2.81 times higher odds of identifying abuse-specific injuries.
Conclusions:
- Infants with prior injury undergoing evaluation for suspected physical abuse have a higher likelihood of identified abuse-specific injuries.
- Standardized history taking and comprehensive evaluation are crucial for infants presenting with concerning injuries.
Background And Objectives:
Physical abuse is a common cause of morbidity in infants but is often missed in those with medically minor injuries, increasing the risk for escalating violence. Our objective was to compare the prevalence of abuse-specific injuries among infants with and without prior injuries.
Methods:
This is a retrospective, multicenter study of infants (aged <12 months) undergoing child abuse pediatrics provider (CAP) consultation for suspected physical abuse between 2/2021 and 12/2022 at 10 participating US centers. Encounters were dichotomized into those with and without history of prior injury. The groups were compared for rates of diagnostic screening and prevalence of abuse-specific injuries. The association of prior injuries with identification of abuse-specific injury was assessed using logistic regression controlling for demographics and presence of prior injury.
Results:
We identified 2352 eligible encounters (median age: 4.2 months), of which 13% had a history of prior injury. In infants who underwent diagnostic testing, injury identification was significantly higher in those with prior injury (45% vs 22%, P < .05). Adjusting for patient characteristics, the presence of prior injury in infants was associated with higher odds of at least 1 type of abuse-specific injury being identified, compared with those without prior injury (adjusted odds ratio = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.10-3.76).
Conclusion:
Infants with prior injury undergoing CAP evaluation for suspected physical abuse have higher odds of abuse-specific injuries compared with those without prior injury. This study emphasizes the importance of standardized history and evaluation in infants presenting with concerning injuries.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management

