학술논문
Differential diagnosis between physical maltreatment and cupping practices in a suspected child abuse case
Images in Forensics
Images in Forensics
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Source
Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology. March 2020, Vol. 16 Issue 1, p188, 3 p.
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
1547-769X
Abstract
Author(s): Francesco Lupariello [sup.1], Elena Coppo [sup.2], Ilaria Cavecchia [sup.2], Caterina Bosco [sup.1], Luana Bonaccurso [sup.1], Antonio Urbino [sup.2], Giancarlo Di Vella [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.7605.4, 0000 0001 2336 [...]
Physical maltreatment is one of the most common forms of child abuse. Cutaneous injuries often raise the suspicion of child maltreatment. Nevertheless, among health professionals there is still uncertainty in the evaluation of such injuries. In the literature, there are few indications about the most important factors that allow the differentiation of physical abuse findings from signs/lesions that are caused by 'folk medicine practices' with similar presentations. We report the case of two brothers who were brought to the Emergency Department of a pediatric hospital by their father because each of them showed one painful, circular and red-purple bruise on their back. Suspecting child abuse, the emergency physicians reported the case to a multidisciplinary unit (dedicated to child abuse). After a careful physical examination, psychological interviews, as well as the evaluation of their medical history, the operators pointed out that the lesions were the result of cupping practices (a form of folk medicine). This case highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach and demonstrates the importance of a careful evaluation of the cultural background of the family.
Physical maltreatment is one of the most common forms of child abuse. Cutaneous injuries often raise the suspicion of child maltreatment. Nevertheless, among health professionals there is still uncertainty in the evaluation of such injuries. In the literature, there are few indications about the most important factors that allow the differentiation of physical abuse findings from signs/lesions that are caused by 'folk medicine practices' with similar presentations. We report the case of two brothers who were brought to the Emergency Department of a pediatric hospital by their father because each of them showed one painful, circular and red-purple bruise on their back. Suspecting child abuse, the emergency physicians reported the case to a multidisciplinary unit (dedicated to child abuse). After a careful physical examination, psychological interviews, as well as the evaluation of their medical history, the operators pointed out that the lesions were the result of cupping practices (a form of folk medicine). This case highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach and demonstrates the importance of a careful evaluation of the cultural background of the family.