Evidence · Systematic review or meta-analysis
Variations in Guidelines for Diagnosis of Child Physical Abuse in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.
- Burns
- Major trauma
- Medical
- Nursing
- Professional practice
- Trauma and burns
Summary
This systematic review compared 20 national or regional guidelines from 15 high-income countries on the early detection and diagnostic workup of suspected physical abuse in infants aged two years or younger. It assessed completeness, clarity and consistency, finding many missing statements and disagreement on the definition of sentinel injuries and on which imaging and laboratory investigations to perform. Guidelines agreed on skeletal survey and head imaging but varied on adjunct imaging and on haematological and bone metabolism testing. Relevant to PICU teams who receive infants with suspected inflicted injury, highlighting the need for standardised, internationally consistent diagnostic pathways.
Summary written for PICUlearn. Always read the original.
- Licence:
- Open (Creative Commons)
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