Should Child Abuse and Neglect Be Considered When a Child Dies Unexpectedly?

Citation:

Christoffel KK, Zieserl EJ, Chiaramonte J: Should child abuse and neglect be considered when a child dies unexpectedly? AJDC 139:876-880, September 1985.

Notes:

• A substantial minority of unexpected deaths at one pediatric hospital were suspect for child abuse or neglect.
• Autopsy and postmortem radiologic skeletal survey are warranted in all cases of unexpected child death.
• Misdiagnoses were more often medical illness than uninflicted injury.
• Social workers should do an evaluation if a child is one year of age or less.

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