SCAN Flashcards
Bruising red flags
Non-ambulatory/babies not yet cruising
Bruises on the ears, neck, feet, buttocks, torso
Bruises not on the from to the body and/or overlying bone
Patterned (loop marks, handprints, bite marks, belt)
Bruises that do not fit with causal mechanism described
Bruises that are unusually large or numerous
What is the differential diagnosis of bruising?
ITP (most common acquired coagulopathy) HSP Vitamin K deficiency (CF, malabsorption, hemorrhagic disease of the newborn) Vitamin C deficiency Malignancy (Leukemia, neuroblastoma) vWD (most common inherited coagulopathy) Hemophilia Infection (e.g. Meningococcemia) DIC Connective tissue disorder (Ehler's danlos) Gardner-Diamond Syndrome
What are some mimics of bruising?
Slate grey nevi/Mongolian spots Post-inflammatory skin changes Phytophotodermatitis Resolving hemangiomas Skin staining from dyes Cupping/coining
General indicators of child maltreatment
Injury not compatible with history provided (mechanism, developmental age, amount of force) Delay in seeking medical care Inconsistent history Multiple injuries Injuries of different ages
Risk factors for child abuse
Parents characteristics: History of abuse Mental illness Substance abuse Cognitive deficits Anger control problems History of criminal behaviour Young, single, unemployed
Family characteristics: Marital conflict Social isolation / lack of Supports Early mother-child separation Crowded household
Child characteristics: Behaviour problems Difficulties with feeding and Sleeping Difficult temperament i.e. colic Pregnancy or birth complications Physical disabilities
Parent-child relationship: Unrealistic expectations of child High arousal to child distress/anger Child perceived as difficult Lack of emotional connection
Environmental characteristics: Poverty Higher perceived stress Frequent changes in residence Low maternal education
Bruising work up
CBC Peripheral smear INR/PTT Factor 8, 9 Fibrinogen vWF antigen/ristocetin cofactor Blood type LFTs and RFTs (for secondary platelet dysfunction)
What work up is needed for all non-ambulatory children/<2 years of age with suspected abuse?
Skeletal survey
MRI head if <1 year
Eye exam if findings on neuroimaging
Screen for abdominal trauma
AST, ALT, amylase
How are most NAI fractures detected?
Incidental finding on XR obtained for something else
Red flags for fractures
Non-ambulatory
Location (Metaphyseal, ribs, scapula, vertebrae, sternum)
Pattern (complex skull fracture, multiple fractures)
Age (delay in seeking medical attention, fractures at different ages)
What locations of fractures are most concerning for NAI?
Metaphyseal, ribs (especially posterior), scapula, vertebrae, sternum
How many x-rays are taken for a skeletal survey?
Typically 21 views
Differential diagnosis for fractures
Accidental fractures Birth injury (rib, humerus, clavicle) Osteomyelitis Congenital syphilis Rickets OI/other bone dysplasias Neuromuscular disorders Copper deficiency (preterm, Menke’s)
Causes of retinal hemorrhages other than NAI
Accidental trauma Birth-related (until 6 weeks of age) Coagulation disorders Leukemia Metabolic disorders
What is the only situation where you are mandated to report DIRECTLY to police?
Gun shot wounds
What does Canada’s criminal code say about physical disclipine?
Allows use of “reasonable” force for the purposes of “teaching” child
Age 2-13
No hits to head/abdomen, objects, marks
Workup for abusive head trauma
Dilated eye exam Skeletal survey Coag work up +fibrinogen+F8 and 9+FXIII Metabolic-Glutaric aciduria (GA1) MRI brain+spine Photography CAS
What characteristics of retinal hemorrhages are most concerning?
Massive hemorrhage
Multiple layers
Extending to edge of retina
What is the most common physical exam finding in sexual abuse?
Normal exam
Differential diagnosis of vaginal redness
Vulvovaginitis Infection -GAS -Pinworms Contact dermatitis Psoriasis