NCJ Number
219676
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 31 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2007 Pages: 615-621
Date Published
June 2007
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article presents a series of four case studies about infants who suffered forced suffocation with baby wipes.
Abstract
Results of all four case studies indicated that each child was the victim of child physical abuse. Substantial morbidity and mortality was associated with the aspiration of baby wipes and associated injuries--two of the children died from suffocation or from injuries related to the forcing of the baby wipe down their throats. The authors conclude that babies who present with a baby wipe aspiration should be carefully examined for child abuse evidence, particularly for injuries of the oropharynx, skin, skeleton, and head. The authors recommend a complete skeletal survey, a CT scan of the head, and notification to child protection agencies. The four cases studies are described in detail, including the circumstances surrounding the baby wipe incident, the medical response, and the outcome. Table, figures, references