Work

Neonatal chemical burns and child neglect

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Differential diagnosis of agents of chemical burns can be challenging in neonates, especially in absence of a clear history of the event. A wide variety of chemical agents, from acids to basics, can be involved. Massive chemical burns over 21% of the body surface of a four-day-old male neonate were observed. At the physical examination, lower chest, abdomen, genital area and upper limbs showed full-thickness contact burns with a clear demarcation line of the skin breakdown related to necrosis of the subcutaneous layer. Head and fingers exhibited small hard brownish eschars. No clear history was referred by the parents, raising the suspect of a child neglect. Due to the critical conditions, it was not possible to identify the chemical agents causing the burns. The prompt excision and synthetic skin grafting was successfull and the baby survived. Considering all the different chemical agents found in the domestic environment, a combination of acid-basic agents may have been involved. Both parents were sentenced to nine years imprisonment for child neglect and wounding with intent.

Source: Legal Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102520

Authors: Stefania Sica, Valerio Mastroianni, Paola Ciamarra, Pasquale Giugliano, Carlo Pietro Campobasso

Institution: University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Related Trauma

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,540