A University of Queensland investigator has discovered that each year 20 babies die unnecessary due head injuries resulting from child abuse.
The investigation by Dr Melissa Kaltner forms part of what it thought to be the primary investigation of the incidence of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) in children aged two years and under in Australia.
“Abusive Head Trauma in infants is caused by aggressive behaviour or violent shaking (shaken baby syndrome),” explained Dr Kaltner, who finished her PhD under the supervision of Professor Justin Kenardy from the Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine (CONROD).
Prior investigations suggested parents of affected babies admitted that crying triggered their actions.
Dr Kaltner said:
“The most common symptoms associated with AHT include vomiting, poor feeding, fever, irritability, lethargy, bruising, swelling and bone fractures. In severe cases of injury, brain and retinal haemorrhages were also found to occur. My research revealed that 30 percent of infants who experienced severe AHT died of their injuries. Those who survive are often left with lifelong disability.”
Sydney-based Westmead Hospital is at present running the Crying Baby Program that aims to teach parents on the risks connected with infant shaking and offers practical tips and advise on dealing with crying babies.
Dr Kaltner’s goal is to start a similar project in order to help prevent such injuries in Queensland.
Written by Grace Rattue