In an analysis of 12,764 child/mother pairs in the US, maternal depression and exposure to violence were associated with the use of smacking as a means of punishment.  Here. more…

In a series of 18 patients referred to a tertiary neurosurgical centre with non-accidental head injury, eight had subdural collections identified on MRI of the spine.  Here.

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In a series of 331 children examined following allegations of child sexual abuse, examination within 7 days of the alleged abuse was associated with a higher yield of positive examination findings – 50% compared to 30% in children examined after 7 days.  Here.

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Perspective: Day and Mok look at the impact on children of domestic abuse while on holiday. Here.

Perspective: Haines and Turton review the results of a recent survey into complaints made against paediatricians in the context of child protection activities. Here.

Leading article: Hall and Williams discuss safeguarding as a broader concept than simply child protection. Here.

A systematic review of the literature presents conclusions around oral injuries, and notes that isolated torn frenulum is not pathognomic of abuse.  Here.

Perspective:  Stephenson reviews the recent legal rulings that the duty of care owed by a paediatrician is to the child ahead of other considerations.  Here.

A child presenting with unexplained fractures and skin lesions was subsequently demonstrated to have Job Syndrome. Here.

In a series of 140 questionnaire scenarios returned by UK consultant paediatricians, the status of the doctor -named or designated doctor, or neither – had no effect on the degree of certainty expressed in judging the possibility of abuse. Here.