Children Intoxications: What is Abuse and What is Not Abuse

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Ricardo Jorge Dinis Oliveira (Author) FMUP; Teresa Magalhães (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Trauma Violence & Abuse

Vol. 14

Pages: 113-132

ISSN: 1524-8380

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 9 Citations

Scopus - 10 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-001-ZYR

DOI: 10.1177/1524838012470033

Abstract (EN): The curiosity and the natural tendency to explore the environment put young children at an increased risk of poisoning over older children and adults. Poisonings are a significant area of concern from 1 year of age and progressively contribute more to overall rates of morbidity and mortality until children reach adulthood. Particularly, the abuse of children by poisoning is also highly common with thousands of fatalities. A practical strategy is presented that aims to alert health, forensic, and law enforcement professionals to this problem and to demystify the preconception that it is a rare form of abuse or neglect. Compounds that are foreign to a living organism (xenobiotics) and those present within body (endobiotics), mainly involved in children intoxications and contextual examples related to exposure are also reviewed. Particular concern is given to concepts in the field of children poisoning. The described history and the clinical and toxicological evaluation are discussed, and harmonized protocols regarding correct procedures for sample collection to forensic toxicological analysis are proposed. Since children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of high doses of xenobiotics and endobiotics, special consideration on the preparation of the environment that surrounds children in order minimize all possible risks will be also considered.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 20