A silent scream in the pediatric emergency department: child abuse and neglect

Conclusion: Pediatric emergency departments are one of the important units visited by child maltreatment patients. Victimized children may reflect their silent screams with various clinical presentations. Infants are at the greatest risk of suffering serious or fatal injuries. Health professionals working in the emergency department have an important role in detecting, treating, and preventing recurrence of child neglect and abuse.What is Known:• The pediatric emergency department is an important entry point in the health care system for children who experience maltreatment.• It has a wide spectrum of physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect.What is New:• A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose cases of child maltreatment.• Infants are at the greatest risk of suffering serious or fatal injuries.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research