Work

Severe Physical Child Abuse Presenting as Septic Shock: A Case Report of Traumatic Hemoperitoneum

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Child maltreatment refers to the abuse and neglect of children under the age of 18 and is a prevalent social problem that often goes undetected. To emphasize the importance of this diagnosis, we present the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented in shock with altered consciousness, initially managed as sepsis, but was ultimately diagnosed with severe physical abuse after imaging revealed a traumatic hemoperitoneum. With this article, we aim to remind healthcare providers to consider this diagnosis, even in severely ill children.

Source: Case Reports in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.1155/crpe/5615796

Authors: Madalena Carvalho, Catarina Nunes, Rita Martins, Mariana Silva, Carlos Escobar, Helena Isabel Almeida

Institution: Hospital Prof. Dr. Fernando Fonseca

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: gold

Estimated APC paid: $790