Doctor’s Diary James Le Fanu

A new investigation into Shaken Baby Syndrome should be applauded, says James Le Fanu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By James Le Fanu 7:00AM GMT 21 Feb 2011

The fearful prospect for parents of taking their child to hospital only to be accused of having caused their injuries should have receded – thanks to the efforts of a formidable trio of female pathologists. Their scientific investigations have challenged the allegation, vigorously promoted by the police and prominent paediatricians, that a particular pattern of injuries including bleeding behind the eye and in the skull are ‘characteristic’ of abusive Shaken Baby Syndrome [SBS]. Their studies have confirmed parental accounts of how a range of domestic misfortunes involving babies, including falling from a bed or sofa and choking, can give rise to a similar pattern of bleeding. The SBS protagonists have, as a result, failed to secure convictions in a series of high profile cases. This has prompted, as reported in the radio documentary programme File on Four last week, a switch in tactics seeking to undermine the professional reputation of the defence experts with complaints to the General Medical Council and similar bodies. These have been rebuffed, but clearly the hazard for innocent parents of being dragged through the courts remains.

 

Source:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthadvice/jameslefanu/8333364/Doctors-Diary-James-Le-Fanu.html