Incidence of Retinal Hemorrhages in Abusive Head Trauma

Abstract

The incidence of retinal hemorrhages in abusive head trauma for identified perpetrators, regardless of a confession, is similar. However, there is a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of retinal hemorrhages in abusive head trauma when comparing identified perpetrators to non-identified perpetrators. This decreased incidence of retinal hemorrhages was statistically correlated to a lower incidence of acute presentation in victims of abusive head trauma without an identified perpetrator.[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50(3):169-172.].

The Anesthesiologist’s Role in Treating Abusive Head Trauma

“…12 The reported incidence of retinal hemorrhage in AHT varies from 30% to more than 80%. 13–16 The acute-on-chronic nature of AHT results in both acute and chronic subdural hematomas, and the repeated abuse itself can cause acute subdural hemorrhages rather than hemorrhages from spontaneous re-bleeding. Children with acute and chronic subdural hemorrhages from AHT may present with asymptomatic macrocephaly, although more severe acute intracranial hemorrhages will cause acute neurologic symptoms.…”