Síndrome del niño sacudido en Chile: Una forma más de maltrato infantil

Abstract

Introduction: The shaken baby syndrome is the most common cause of death and severe neurological damage in abused children. Characterized by acute encephalopathy with sub dural and retinal hemorrhages, which occur in inappropriate situations or an inconsistent story The lesions are due to the increased size of the child's head, weak neck musculature and the abundance of non-myelinated brain tissue that allows excessive stretching of blood vessels associated with the mechanism of injury that involves application of rotational forces of acceleration slowdown. Our goal is to present the clinical features of children admitted to four hospitals in Chile in order to alert the clinician to the suspicion and search box. Methods: Clinical and imaging analysis of six patients with clinical criteria for shaken baby syndrome, as defined by the presence of intracranial or intraocular injury as a result of shocks, in the context of physical abuse in children under two years. Results: Six cases, four children, two girls. Ages 3 months to 16 months. The first symptom in one child was ophthalmoparesis, four with seizures, one of which was admitted in severe coma until he died. All had retinal hemorrhages. Brain Magnetic Resonance showed subdural collections in all of them with different data. The coagulation study was negative in all. Conclusion: The shaken baby syndrome is a reality in Chile and its high morbidity and mortality should place emphasis on prevention at all levels of health care.(AU)