Physical Child Abuse Workup

  • Author: Angelo P Giardino, MD, PhD, MPH; Chief Editor: Caroly Pataki, MD   more...
 
Updated: Feb 2, 2012
 

Laboratory Studies

History and the physical examination findings determine which laboratory and diagnostic imaging studies are necessary.[16]

If a bleeding problem is suspected, a basic bleeding evaluation (platelets, PT, aPTT) is a valuable screening tool, the results of which may suggest the need for more sophisticated bleeding evaluation and/or hematology consultation, if available. Pattern mark or highly suspicious bruising, in the absence of other bruising in more common locations (eg, shins of school-age child), likely does not require an extensive bleeding workup.

If a genetic bone disease or mineralization defect is suspected, screening calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels is indicated. Interpretation of vitamin D levels in children is complex due to lack of robust evidence establishing normal values and thresholds below which bones would be clinically more susceptible to fracture. Review of radiographs with a pediatric radiologist is ideal to evaluate bones for signs of poor growth or healing. Genetic consultation, if available, may be warranted.

Toxicology screening is indicated if the clinical situation suggests a possible ingestion as the cause of the findings on examination and evaluation or when a child presents from a household where drug use or production is suspected or confirmed.[17]

Screening for abdominal injury is recommended in children younger than age 5 years in whom abuse is suspected, even in the absence of clear external evidence of abdominal injury or symptoms such as pain or vomiting. Note the image below.

Faint abdominal bruising. This toddler had elevateFaint abdominal bruising. This toddler had elevated liver function test results, liver laceration found on abdominal CT scan, and an upper lip frenulum tear. Note that abdominal injury may be present with little or no bruising of the abdomen.

Screening includes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as markers for liver injury, amylase and lipase levels for pancreatic injury, urine analysis for red blood cells to evaluate for urinary tract injury, and stool guaiac for intestinal injury.[18, 19]

Basic guidelines for the appropriate evaluation of a child suspected to be a victim of physical abuse, by age, are shown below.

Guidelines for the assessment of suspected physicaGuidelines for the assessment of suspected physical abuse.
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Imaging Studies

For children younger than 2 years suspected of having been physically abused, a skeletal survey is recommended to rule out skeletal injury, both new and old. A retrospective study on children assessed with skeletal surveys to evaluate for missed physical abuse and unsuspected fractures found that about 11% of the survey results were positive for a previously unsuspected fracture. The skeletal survey results directly influenced making the diagnosis of abuse in 50% of the children with positive skeletal survey results. Wider use of skeletal survey may be justified, especially for high-risk populations.[20]

Depending on history and physical examination, other diagnostic and imaging tests may be indicated including the following:

  • Radionuclide bone scanning assists in identifying new rib fractures and subtle long bone fractures not apparent on the skeletal survey.
  • CT scanning of the head is indicated in any child suspected of inflicted head trauma in order to image the brain and assess for injury (see guidelines in image below)
  • MRI can be a valuable adjunct to head CT scanning because it can further define an injury and help identify different ages of blood contained in a subdural hematoma
  • CT scanning of the thorax and abdomen may be helpful to view the organs in the chest and abdomen if injury is suspected. CT scanning of the abdomen is recommended in suspected abuse victims who have abnormal values for AST, ALT, amylase, lipase, or urine red blood cells, as indicated in Lab Studies. Note the images below. Guidelines for the assessment of suspected physicaGuidelines for the assessment of suspected physical abuse. Abdominal bruising in a toddler who also had a livAbdominal bruising in a toddler who also had a liver laceration (also see previous CT scan). CT scan showing liver laceration. Child had severeCT scan showing liver laceration. Child had severe abdominal bruising (see next image). Caregiver admitted to repeatedly punching the child in the abdomen.
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Procedures

Photodocumentation of cutaneous injuries, such as burns, bite marks, bruising, or other injuries, is very helpful in cases of child abuse. Photodocumentation, when used as an adjunct to standard medical written documentation, allows consulting physicians, child protective services (CPS) workers, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and others to view and better comprehend the injuries. Photographs of injuries are very helpful in legal proceedings for protecting the child and determining guilt. Photodocumentation should be performed in accordance with institutional policies and procedures and should be treated as protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Angelo P Giardino, MD, PhD, MPH  Associate Professor, Baylor College of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, Texas Children's Health Plan; Chief Quality Officer, Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital

Angelo P Giardino, MD, PhD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Academic Pediatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Harris County Medical Society, Helfer Society, and International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

Disclosure: Bayer Honoraria Review panel membership; Pfizer Grant/research funds Independent contractor; MedImmune Honoraria Review panel membership; Teva Pharmacutical travel & honoraria Managed Care Advisory Panel; CIGNA Honoraria Physician Advisory Council

Coauthor(s)

Eileen R Giardino, RN, MSN, PhD, FNP-BC, ANP-BC  Associate Professor of Nursing, Department of Family Nursing, University of Texas Health Sciences Center Houston, School of Nursing

Eileen R Giardino, RN, MSN, PhD, FNP-BC, ANP-BC is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American College Health Association, American Nurses Association, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Rebecca L Moles, MD  Division Chief, Child Protection Program, University of Massachusetts Memorial Children's Medical Center; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Rebecca L Moles, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and The Ray Helfer Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Chet Johnson  MD, Center for Child Health and Development, Shiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, University of Kansas; Professor and Chair of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center

Chet Johnson is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Carrie Sylvester, MD, MPH  Senior Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Sound Mental Health

Carrie Sylvester, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Caroly Pataki, MD  Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Division Chair, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Caroly Pataki, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York Academy of Sciences, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Lawrence R. Ricci in providing photographs to illustrate the various injuries that may be seen when evaluating children for suspected physical abuse. Despite being a busy clinician, educator and academic leader, Dr. Ricci made time to select cases for this article from his large archive.

References

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Overlap of child maltreatment and domestic violence.
Handprint on face. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Handprint on leg. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Bruises inflicted with belt. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Bruises inflicted with switch. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Bruises inflicted with switch. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Switch. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Bruises inflicted with wooden spoon. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Bruises inflicted with belt. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Buckle fracture of distal femur shaft. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Duodenal hematoma. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Burn from car seat. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Car seat. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Model for femoral neck fracture from being yanked from crib. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Femoral neck fracture from being yanked from crib in previous image. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Inflicted pinch mark shaft. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Burn from being held down on hot cement. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Old and new radius fracture. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Child with slap mark. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Radiograph of old radius and ulna fracture in child with slap mark. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Radiograph of multiple rib fractures. Radiographs also revealed old radius and ulna fracture. The child presented with a slap mark. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Sunburn. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Burn inflicted with lighter. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Acute subdural with shift. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Fingernail scratch in child with acute subdural with shift. Image courtesy of Lawrence R. Ricci, MD.
Ecological model for understanding violence.
US maltreatment trends, 1990-2010.
Adverse child experiences pyramid.
National Pediatric Trauma Group registry findings.
Buckle fracture of distal femur without healing (acute).
Distal femur buckle fracture, 2-week follow-up film with sclerotic fracture line and periosteal new bone healing.
Guidelines for the assessment of suspected physical abuse.
Linear inflicted bruising extending from arm to back, inflicted by a belt. Same child shown again with back bruising.
Overlying linear inflicted marks, which the child disclosed came from a belt. Same child is shown in image of arm and back.
CT scan showing liver laceration. Child had severe abdominal bruising (see next image). Caregiver admitted to repeatedly punching the child in the abdomen.
Abdominal bruising in a toddler who also had a liver laceration (also see previous CT scan).
Example of ear bruising. Ear bruising is a rare accidental injury. This 10-month-old child was intubated for abusive head trauma (AHT) and spiral femur fracture and had this ear bruising in addition to other facial bruising.
Mongolian spots on a dark-skinned child.
Mongolian spots on a light-skinned child. Mongolian spots can have a greenish cast depending on the skin color of the child.
Faint abdominal bruising. This toddler had elevated liver function test results, liver laceration found on abdominal CT scan, and an upper lip frenulum tear. Note that abdominal injury may be present with little or no bruising of the abdomen.
Pattern bruising and extensive back bruising. The 4-year-old child was found dead in his home and had no reported history. Autopsy revealed duodenal hematoma and perforation as cause of death.
Pattern contact burn on buttocks of diapered child. The burn likely can from the metal grate surrounding heater.
Series of 3 photos of likely accidental hot water scald burn on the leg of an infant. Sparing of skin-to-skin contact areas indicates child was flexed at the knee and ankle at the time of injury, which was consistent with being seated in the kitchen sink. Burn injuries require detailed scene investigation. Investigators confirmed the ease of turning on the faucet and the high temperature of the water from the sink.
Example of strangulation/ligature marks on the neck of a toddler. Strangulation/ligature marks are often linear petechiae and may have fingernail scratches from the victim from struggling to free the airway.
 
 
 
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