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Review
. 2014 Oct;61(5):923-35.
doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2014.06.007. Epub 2014 Jul 26.

Sentinel injuries: subtle findings of physical abuse

Hillary W Petska  1 , Lynn K Sheets  2
Affiliations
Review

Sentinel injuries: subtle findings of physical abuse

Hillary W Petska et al. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2014 Oct.

Abstract

Injuries, other than abrasions, are rare in precruising infants. In this population, a history or observation of a sentinel skin injury, intraoral injury, or musculoskeletal injury without a plausible explanation, is concerning for physical abuse. A precruising infant with a sentinel injury should be medically evaluated for occult injury and predisposing medical conditions, as well as reported to authorities for further investigation. Early identification of sentinel injuries and appropriate interventions can prevent further abuse.

Keywords: Abusive head trauma; Bruising; Child abuse; Infants; Precruising; Prevention; Sentinel injury.

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