Child abuse, sudden infant death syndrome, and psychosocial development.
A review of the literature on child abuse continues to emphasize the importance of careful attention to physical findings. Children who are allegedly sexually abused very often have no abnormal physical findings, yet they may be subjected to repeat examinations in an attempt to document possible physical effects of the abuse. Information is reviewed about the potential psychologic impact of these repeated assessments on young children. Controversy regarding the etiology of sudden infant death syndrome persists, and risk factors are reviewed. Changes in recommendations for infant sleep position by the American Academy of Pediatrics are not universally implemented. The importance of death scene investigations in cases of sudden unexplained infant death is emphasized. A review of the current research on infant colic does not provide many new insights, and the etiology remains controversial. The primary care pediatrician has an important role in providing advice and counseling, albeit on an empiric basis.
Botash
A S
AS
Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, State University of New York, Syracuse 13210, USA.
Fuller
P G
PG
Blatt
S D
SD
Cunningham
A
A
Weinberger
H L
HL
D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003085:Colic / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010372:Pediatrics; D012890:Sleep; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000517:prevention & control