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Considering Suffocatory Abuse and Munchausen by Proxy in the Evaluation of Children Experiencing Apparent Life-Threatening Events and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Tallahassee Memorial Hospital

Catherine C. Ayoub

Harvard University

This study describes 138 young children admitted to the hospital over a 23 year period for recurrent apparent life threatening events (ALTEs), unexplained deaths, or with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)–related diagnoses. In examining the potential for suffocatory abuse in living children, we utilized characteristics in the literature that distinguish SIDS or ALTEs due to natural disease states from abuse. Findings demonstrate a co-occurrence of risk factors that raise suspicions of suffocatory abuse or Munchausen by Proxy. Of the 35 children who died, SIDS was the presumed clinical diagnosis at the time of death in 71% of the cases. Comprehensive chart review and autopsy findings revealed a non-SIDS diagnosis in 54% and confirmed or suspicious child abuse in 37% of these deaths. Reports to Child Protective Services were made in 6% of cases. Recommendations for assessment of children including attention to risk indicators, involvement of child protection teams, mandatory autopsies, and eath scene investigations are offered.

Child Maltreatment, Vol. 7, No. 2, 138-148 (2002)
DOI: 10.1177/1077559502007002006


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