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How the Medical Profession Covered Up Vaccine Injuries and Called it ‘Child Abuse’

By Christina England

 

February 14th, 2012 

Some vaccine injuries are relabeled ‘child abuse’

A short while ago I exposed a series of thirteen papers which unequivocally proved that Prof Roy Meadow the UK’s most famous Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) expert, attended thirteen meetings on adverse reactions to vaccines just about the time MSBP rates rocketed. [1] Up to this time most people researching Meadow were only aware of him attending four meetings with the ARVI (Adverse Reactions to Vaccination and Immunizations) and a few with the CSM (Committee for the Safety of Medicine).

As exciting as the discovery of these new papers were, especially for those parents falsely accused of Munchausen by Proxy (MSBP) or Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) after a vaccine injury had affected their children, they only proved that Prof Roy Meadow had attended meetings discussing adverse reactions to vaccines; they did not prove that he actually participated in them. This is because the papers had all the professionals names blacked out by Freedom of Information (FOI). This made it impossible for the public to determine which comments were said by which professional.

Since I published my last paper however, I have received the cleaned up versions of four of those papers revealing exactly what was said and by whom. This is a breakthrough and enables parents of vaccine damaged children, accused of MSBP or SBS by Meadow, to finally have proof that Meadow not only attended these meetings but actually participated, advised and commented on the topics of cot death, seizures, anaphylaxis, and the yellow card reporting system (UK reporting system for adverse reactions to vaccines.)

These papers were deemed so confidential by the UK government that they have been hidden away in government files for over twenty four years. They were marked ‘Not For Publication Commercial in Confidence’. I doubt if anyone at that time bargained for the Freedom of Information Act.

Meadow rose to fame in 1977 when he wrote a controversial paper on Munchausen by Proxy for the Lancet. The paper entitled ‘The Hinterland of Child Abuse’ [2] gives two highly suspect case studies as “evidence” of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy existence. The paper was deemed problematic by many because the second case study describes a child presenting with excessive sodium (salt) in the blood. During Meadow’s discussion he discloses that this child was force-fed 20 g of sodium, with difficulty, by himself and his colleagues. Sadly the child died!

Since this time Professor Sir Roy Meadow has become known as one of the most influential and respected pediatricians of his generation.  He is thought by many to be a lead thinker in the field of child abuse. Many experts say his work has saved countless children from unnecessary suffering.

After reading these papers I would beg to differ.

What Was Said At Those Meetings by Professor Roy Meadow

ARVI meeting 6th July 1987. [3]

Meadow first comments in section 5.4 however, there was a worrying trend of deceit arising earlier on in the minutes in the section marked Item 5 – MMR vaccine – 5.4 Postpartum Rubella immunization associated with development of prolonged arthritis neurological sequelae and chronic rubella arthritis Tingle et al. J of Inf. Diseases (1985), Vol. 152: pages 606-612.

The committee was discussing points raised in the previous ARVI meeting.  Dr Cavanagh reminded the committee of a SSPE (SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS INCLUSION–BODY ENCEPHALTIS) – like syndrome reported from rubella virus infection and noted the reported maternal viraemia and transmission of rubella virus in breast milk discussed in the correspondence submitted. Several other professionals brought up points on this matter. Dr Christine Miller had completed a study of SSPE surveillance and it was thought that none of her cases were associated with rubella. Dr Wallace thought the report to which Dr Cavanagh had referred concerned congenital rubella syndrome, not acquired rubella.

It is interesting that professionals were discussing SSPE in relation to the MMR vaccine because Dr Rebecca Carley M.D. firmly believes that SSPE IS in fact autism. Dr Carley has made her thoughts on the subject very clear even stating on a radio show with David Kirby that autism is actually a non-fatal case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis caused by demyelination following vaccine induced encephalitis, and that the name of the condition was changed to autism to hide this self evident fact [4] She says if you read the description that Harrison [5] gives on SSPE in his book used to teach internal medicine to medical students all over the world; it is clear that what he is describing is in fact autism. In fact if you read the 10th edition that the above page comes from published in 1983, 4 years before this meeting it says that SSPE can be caused by the measles vaccine.

I would like to point out that Dr Cavanagh did state ‘a SSPE– like syndrome reported from rubella virus infection’, indicating that this was a condition similar to SSPE, which is exactly what Dr Carley is saying today without the benefit of seeing these papers that had been tucked away for all these years.

On to Point 5.4 and the first comment by Meadow

This section shows the ARVI committee discussing how reports of adverse reactions to vaccines should be followed up after they have been reported to the ‘Yellow Card Reporting System’.

The committee’s concerns surrounded adverse reactions to the DPT vaccination.

The committee discussed the fact that in Holland a pediatrician was employed solely for the follow-up of all of the reports of adverse reactions to vaccination. He/she would interview the vaccinator, the parents and the child and carry out a long term follow up.

Various professionals discussed the problems that they felt this would raise.

The whole issue makes extremely sickening and disturbing reading especially in view of Sir John Badenoch’s comments that Holland’s policy posed the dilemma of the provision of huge lists of adverse reactions or of a distillate and commented that it was bad policy to collect useless information, however, he did feel that changes in incidence of reactions were important as was the awareness of permanent or long term sequelae from vaccination.

The minutes stated that Meadow felt that the subject would make an ideal research project for one four-month cohort, to be studied intensively with detailed scrutiny and examination of each report to provide a yardstick for further comparison.

Professor Breckenridge felt that definition of terms was essential and adverse events should be separated from adverse reactions. The ‘events’ he said could be excluded with consideration on the adverse reactions!

I would like to know how Professor Breckenridge justified the elimination of either of these terms. Surely this amounts to deception, as to exclude one from the other would give false results when assessing adverse reactions to a vaccine as both terms mean exactly the same thing.

Meadow asked whether the numbers of vaccines given the study time period should be ‘estimated’ to provide an indication of risk of reaction.

Surely if they were to estimate the number of vaccines then this would not give an accurate indication of risk factor? Estimation after all would enable the assessor to falsify results. Maybe this was what Meadow intended.

It appears to me that the committee were very concerned by the numbers of adverse reactions being reported and were looking for ways to cover this up.

Professor Meadow next commented in point 6.4 when the committee was discussing the JCVI’s (Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunization’s) revised contra – indications to the pertussis vaccine.

Point six had been specifically discussing whether there was a link between the DPT vaccine and serious neurological illness. The committee felt to ascertain whether there was a significant risk they would need to re-read all the relevant whooping cough documentation from the JCVI, CSM, and the ARVI which they wanted to avoid. After careful consideration however, it was deemed that re-reading was impossible to avoid.

The committee then discussed whether or not the DPT vaccine was causing children to suffer from seizures. The committee concluded that the incidence of children suffering a seizure after the vaccine was no different to those children suffering a seizure who had not had the vaccine of the same age, however, it was decided that the vaccine did appear to worsen seizures in children with a seizure condition. This meant that seizures were a contra—indication of the DPT vaccine.

This section is confusing however, because it does not state whether all of the children were vaccinated. The committee had concluded that the incidence of children suffering a seizure after the vaccine was no different to those children suffering a seizure who had not had the vaccine of the same age, we do not know however, if these children had had the vaccine at an earlier age, which lets face it is a possibility.

(A contra-indication means – could cause harm to a certain group of children i.e. those with a seizure condition.)

Point 6.4 discussed whether or not in view of what had been disclosed the manufacturer’s guidelines should be changed to reflect the committee’s findings.

It was decided that any changes would need to be discussed in full with the manufacturers of the vaccines.

Sir John Badenoch commented that both the JCVI and the JCVI/BPA Working Party had tried to improve guidelines to give specific contra – indications; he said that an attempt should be made to reconcile these with data sheets and product licenses. He said that delay in the new memorandum might be worthwhile in order to obtain manufacturers agreement to changes in data sheets and also to allow the BNF (British National Formulary) opportunity to change its advice. Professor Meadow agreed with Sir John and welcomed the clearer advice from JCVI on pertussis contra – indications which he endorsed.

At this point Prof Miller commented that there was no need for the JCVI advice to change but there should be awareness of the implications of change.

There were discussions regarding the new guidelines that needed to be put into place and how these guidelines should be put forward to the manufacturers.

There was some concern that the new guidelines would be produced at a time of continuing pertussis litigation? Members then discussed the fact that there was likely to be a change in the pertussis vaccine in the near future. Sir John Badenoch agreed that the new pertussis guidance should be sent to the CSM but felt that the new guidance was a rationalization of the old contra-indications some of which he felt had no significance scientifically.

It was at this point that Meadow offered his firm support of the new changes, which he felt were not weakening the old recommendations but making the existence guidance clearer.

I find it of particular interest that Meadow was involved in meetings discussing seizures after vaccination, especially as he had discussed the subject of seizures in various papers describing cases where parents had said their children were suffering from seizures which he felt were caused by the parents. An example of this can be seen in a paper entitled ‘Fictitious Epilepsy’ [6] written in 1984 where the abstract reads:

32 children and 4 adults had extensive investigation and treatment for epilepsy because of false seizures invented or induced by a relative, usually the mother. They also suffered needless hospital admissions and restriction of education and activities. Follow-up of the children suggests a danger of abnormal illness behaviour continuing into adult life. For a few young children seizures are really anoxic episodes caused by the parent. In some cases these lead to brain damage and death, and an important association with sudden unexplained death of infancy (cot death) is emerging.

As this is only the abstract we cannot be sure if Meadow went on to explain how he came to the bizarre conclusion that a seizure is really an anoxic episode caused by the parent, although somehow I doubt it.

This paper was written before the meetings took place so I guess that Meadow could have been forgiven if he had seen the light and realized the error of his ways and at least considered vaccines as a possibility but it is obvious that nothing much had changed because in 1991 whilst he is still seen attending these meetings [1] he proves that he is still accusing mothers of MSBP after a child is reported to be suffering from seizures. [7]

Minutes from 2nd October 1987 CSM/JCVI/ARVI [8]

The ARVI meeting October 1987 is the next meeting showing comments by Meadow.

Meadow is mentioned early on in the minutes, in point 5 during a discussion on the subject of Anaphylaxis. The committee was discussing the completion of the ‘recommendations for the memorandum’. The minutes state that Dr McGuinness had already provided valuable material for this purpose and Dr Salisbury offered to send Professor Meadow examples of this material by post.

The first time that Meadow is seen to make a comment during this meeting, is regarding the Yellow Card System in Point 7 where he questions the delays in reporting and coding.

Meadow next commented interestingly and crucially on the subject of Cot Death in Point 8. The section is entitled ‘Vaccination and Cot Death in Perspective.’

The committee discussed various reports made available on the topic; Meadow identified the need for the present information, that there did not appear to be a casual link between the pertussis vaccination and SIDS, to be dissemination (spread widely) and felt that the Foundation for the Study of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome was the best organization to promote the present knowledge. However, Dr Fine noted that there was a problem with saying that the pertussis vaccine was protective against SIDS as those risk factors for SIDS may overlap with the contra-indications for the vaccine and this issue had not been dealt with the submitted paper. Dr Fine felt that these should be discussed. Meadow immediately questioned this. Dr Fine went on to mention other factors that could be relevant such as ill health, social economic issues which he said inhibited the pertussis vaccine.

Quite right to, at least one of them had a conscience, however, interestingly it is at this point the conversation on this subject ceases and the committee move on to the flu vaccine.

I found this extremely interesting because Meadow has since been involved in many cases where vaccines have played a crucial part in the case. Not only did Meadow appear to misdirect the ARVI on the subject of cot death in the above meeting but it has been reported that Meadow also advised juries as an expert witness that vaccines cannot cause a baby to die in cases where vaccines have been mentioned as a possible cause of death.

Sally Clark spent three and a half years in jail wrongly convicted of murdering two of her babies. This was after Prof Meadow and another expert witness assured the jury that there was no other explanation for the sudden deaths of her children other than that she had deliberately smothered them. This was despite the fact that Harry died five hours after a DPT vaccine and that Prof Meadow had attended 13 meetings discussing adverse reactions to the DPT which included cot death.

The Spectator [9] reporting on the case states:

Not many people know these facts, because at Sally’s trial the defense did not mention immunization as a possible cause of death. Two prosecution witnesses, including the paediatrician Professor Sir Roy Meadow, assured the jury it could be discounted. Their statements went unchallenged, and the issue did not form any part of the appeal hearings. Professor Meadow, a former member of a Department of Health sub-committee on adverse reactions to vaccines, told the jury that he could not think of any natural explanation for Harry’s or Christopher’s deaths.

Surely, this is perjury? Not only did Meadow appear to lie under oath but as far as I am aware he did not declare any conflicts of interest to the court. If there had not been any mention of children dying after vaccination at those meetings, the committee would have not have been discussing this point in the first place, therefore, Meadow would have some knowledge that children can die after the DPT.

March 8th 1988 CSM/JCVI/ARVI meeting [10]

Prof Meadow is next found participating in the above meeting, where he is seen taking a very active role. In Point 5 ‘The Treatment of Anaphylaxis’ it states that:

The Anaphylaxis section of the forthcoming Memorandum on ‘Immunization against Infectious Disease’ had been written to incorporate the recommendations of Professor Meadow, Professor Hull and Dr McGuiness.

So now we have Meadow not only commenting and participating in meetings but being involved in writing guidelines for vaccines against infectious diseases!! Totally unbelievable!

The final proof that Meadow took an active part in meetings involving adverse reactions to vaccines that I have at this time is again in the above meeting.

In Point 6 Report on Yellow Card data

The committee discussed in detail the information supplied on adverse reactions to vaccines during 1987.

After several vaccines were discussed Professor Meadow and Professor Banatvala asked the committee if information could be made available in the future on reactions to plasma derived or recombinant hepatitis B vaccine.

Plasma derived Hep B vaccines were the first Heb B vaccines and were made using blood products. These were later banned from use in 1991.

(Since 1986, the only Hep B vaccine used in the US has been the recombinant vaccine.  The way recombinant vaccines work is that they make a piece of the viral genetic material that codes for a protein on the surface of the virus; it is that protein which your immune system thinks is the virus and which causes antibodies to be produced.)

No further comments from Meadow have been found although that is not to say that he has not commented and made recommendations in other meetings past and present.

The fourth set of minutes that I have is the ARVI meeting 6th October 1989.  Comments were made by several professional mainly covering the MMR vaccine Pluserix but sadly although there are comments in full, some parts of the minutes were redacted so we do not know if Meadow commented at this meeting or not. [11]

Discussion on Findings

These meetings were held around the time that the rates of autism and neurological disorders were beginning to soar. Professor Meadow was becoming recognized for discovering a new syndrome which he referred to as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. It seems only right that both MSBP and these problems should be married together, after all something was causing the children’s problems and if it were the vaccines, the government would need to cover this up as quickly as possible. After reading the paperwork in depth it appears likely that the government was trying to cover up the fact that vaccines were not only capable of causing the death of babies but causing seizures, anaphylaxis and neurological problems. It is my opinion that Meadow was brought in to these meetings as a tool by the government to misdirect various committees into believing that scores of parents were abusing their children in a bid to cover up vaccine adverse reactions.

It seems highly suspicious to me that Professor Meadow is found to be attending meetings at this time. Why was he participating, commenting and helping to write vaccine guidelines?

I have been told by the person who gave me these papers that it is usual for professionals to be announced and welcomed when joining these particular committee’s but there appears to be no such announcement for Meadow.  This is not of course to say that he was not announced and welcomed; just that my informant could not find any record of this. It is also strange that he seemed to disappear from these meetings around 1991 as there appears to be no further meetings where is name is mentioned.

Lisa Blakemore-Brown was the first person to ever begin to connect the dots that make the very ugly picture we have today. In fact it was Blakemore-Brown herself who passed me the first papers identifying Meadow as a member of the ARVI.

Blakemore-Brown first began speaking out about her fears and concerns not long after Meadow attended these meetings in 1995.

The last meeting I have seen Meadow’s name on the list of attendee’s was in 1991. [1]

Blakemore-Brown first became concerned in 1995 after she was an expert witness in a case involving twins. She states [12]

In my first false case the twins 1 assessed had been born at just over 26 weeks in the mid eighties. They were tiny babies with horrendous complications. The evidence that such premature infants go on to have developmental problems including attention deficits, motor and social impairments is now indisputable, but it was tossed to one side in this MSBP case. One of the early troubling issues for me was that the MSBP accusers initially totally denied that these children had such birth complications! They said this was ‘what the mother said’ and that I had been ‘beguiled’ by ‘listening to the mother.’

Well, er, actually, I’d read the notes…………………….

I feel that it was around 1997 that Lisa Blakemore-Brown was first seen to be troublesome by the government and particularly to Meadow because it had become clear that Blakemore-Brown had seen exactly what was going on and had seen straight through their plot to use MSBP as a cover for vaccine damage.

In 1997 Blakemore-Brown had been asked to write an article for ‘The Therapist’, this was a year after Sir Roy Meadow had himself written an article for The Therapist. [13]

On reading Lisa Blakemore-Brown’s letter in the ‘Psychologist’ the Editor of ‘The Therapist’ contacted Blakemore-Brown to ask if she would write an article showing the opposite view to start debate.

Little did anyone know at that time just what this intuitive professional was going to write or how Blakemore-Brown without even realizing it had connected the dots and had seen exactly what had been going on.

In her article which she entitled False illness in children – or simply false accusations, she described a tragic case that she had been involved with involving a child that had developed a dangerously high fever, immediately after routine vaccinations. Shortly thereafter, he began to bang his head, soil and lost all his language. After many investigations, the child was diagnosed as having Asperger’s Syndrome. The mother began to suspect that the vaccinations were the root of the child’s problems and decided not to have her other children vaccinated. As time went on, she became desperate for help and turned to the social services, begging them for respite care because she was finding her elder son difficult to manage. Instead of the help this mother so badly needed, she was accused of MSBP and her children were taken away from her.

In foster care, the youngest child, a little girl, was vaccinated against the wishes of her mother. Instantaneously and tragically, her behaviour deteriorated the same way as her brother’s had, only this time the foster carer had video tapes of before and after vaccinations to prove this. Despite this evidence, both of the younger children were adopted.

It seemed as if Blakemore-Brown had hit the nail on the head and it was clear from that one article that she was not afraid to say what she had seen or what she thought.

Once she had began there was no stopping her and she began to speak of her concerns at every opportunity. In 2001 she wrote and presented a paper at a conference held at Durham University. [12] She wrote:

‘Since working as an Expert Witness in a MSBP case in 1995, I am of the opinion that gross errors of judgement are being made (Blakemore-Brown 1997) at the very beginning of the process of ‘identification’ when the easy and increasingly widespread use of the term interweaves with shock tactics and processes of suggestibility.

Once that first gossamer breath of a rumour has been triggered – it can be impossible to turn back. (Blakemore-Brown 1998)’

By this time Blakemore-Brown had already fully grasped that the vaccines were linked to the devastation that she was witnessing. Not great timing for Meadow as he had just been knighted by the government for his ‘amazing work’.

The more that Blakemore-Brown learned the more she began to realize that Meadow was connected. In an article on Prof Meadow on One Click news [14] she wrote:

In my very first experience as an Expert in Court case on so called Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, with Sir Roy’s colleague David Southall, I was utterly shocked by the lack of logic, the lack of careful detailed examination and the lack of good detective work. In fact I saw the opposite and a profoundly cruel miscarriage of justice followed.

I wrote a letter to the British Psychological Society to express my deep concerns that there was no robust scientific basis to MSBP and I feared if it was not investigated thoroughly, many more miscarriages of justice would follow.

Colleagues of Professor Meadow immediately wrote a letter to the BPS with the aim of discrediting me and what I had to say and the BPS did not allow me a Right of Reply.

It was around this time that a Penny Mellor arrived on the scene and the rest is history as they say. [15] Sadly for Ms Mellor and the many others who tried to destroy Blakemore-Brown’s career, she is still around and it is my belief that she will come back stronger than ever to haunt them all.

It is interesting to see some seventeen years after Blakemore-Brown’s first concerns that MSBP was a cover being used to hide cases of vaccine injury; the proof that lay hidden for all those years is at last being discovered.

There are some of us who never doubted for one moment that she was correct and something very sinister was going on, however, proving it was another thing. I doubt if Blakemore-Brown will be surprised to see the level of corruption and utter deceit hidden in these documents. It is about time the governments and pharmaceutical companies were exposed for their lies and hypocrisy and Blakemore-Brown along with the many others who have been fighting for the families falsely accused of MSBP and SBS were vindicated and apologized to.

The fact that Meadow not only tried to misdirect committees discussing vaccine dangers and cot death but contributed in a memorandum outlining guidelines for the treatment of anaphylaxis called ‘Immunization Against Infectious Diseases’ is totally beyond belief, especially when it has been reported that he stood up in court and assured a jury in a murder case that vaccines could not have been responsible for the death of her child.  I have been told by mothers falsely accused that he denied vaccines were responsible for the deaths of other babies in their trials as well. Let us hope that at last these parents will get the justice they deserve and their children can be laid to rest in peace at long last.

It is my opinion that for the crimes that this man has committed he should be striped of his knighthood.

 

References

  1. FOI Request Reveals Major Vaccine Conspicacy http://vactruth.com/2012/01/03/foi-request-reveals-major-vaccine-conspiracy/
  2. ‘The Hinterland of Child Abuse’ http://www.msbp.com/hinterlands.htm
  3. ARVI Meeting July 1987 http://www.profitableharm.com/sir_roy_medows_meetings_1.html
  4. RECENT FED CT DECISION IN AUTISM CASE PROVES DR. CARLEY RIGHT http://www.drcarley.com/dr_carley_critique_fed_autism_decision.htm
  5. Harrison  http://www.reversingvaccineinduceddiseases.com/files/3638448/uploaded/SSPE_from_Harrisons%20optimized.pdf
  6.  Fictitious Epilepsy Prof R Meadow 1984 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6145941
  7. Munchhausen by Proxy and Pseudo-Epilepsy http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1627905/pdf/archdisch00753-0089c.pdf
  8.  CSM/JCVI/ARVI October 1987 http://www.profitableharm.com/sir_roy_medows_meetings_1.html
  9. The Spectator  http://www.spectator.co.uk/essays/all/30630/part_2/what-killed-sally-clarks-child.thtml
  10.  CSM/JCVI/ARVI Meeting March 1988  http://www.profitableharm.com/sir_roy_medows_meetings_1.html
  11. ARVI October 1989 http://www.profitableharm.com/sir_roy_medows_meetings_1.html
  12. Durham paper http://www.profitableharm.com/an_autism_odyssey_text.html
  13. The Therapist http://www.profitableharm.com/images/therapist%201.jpg
  14. Meadow Blakemore-Brown http://www.theoneclickgroup.co.uk/news.php?id=4111#newspost
  15. The Professional Assassination of Autism Expert Lisa Blakemore-Brown http://medicalmisdiagnosisresearch.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/the-professional-assassination-of-autism-expert-lisa-blakemore-brown/

 

 

Christina was born and educated in London, U.K. She left school to work in a children’s library, specializing in story telling and book buying. In 1978 Christina changed her career path to dedicate her time to caring for the elderly and was awarded the title of Care Giver of the Year for her work with the elderly in 1980.

After dedicating much of her spare time helping disabled children in a special school, she then worked in a respite unit in a leading teaching hospital.

In 1990 Christina adopted the first of two disabled boys, both with challenging behavior, complex disabilities, and medical needs. In 1999 she was accused of Munchausen by Proxy after many failed attempts to get the boys’ complex needs met. Finally, she was cleared of all accusations after an independent psychologist Lisa Blakemore-Brown gave both boys the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD as part of a complex tapestry of disorders. During the assessments Ms Blakemore-Brown discovered through the foster care diaries that the eldest boy had reacted adversely to the MMR vaccine.

After taking A Level in Psychology and a BTEC in Learning Disabilities Ms. England then spent many years researching vaccines and adverse reactions. She went on to gain an HND in journalism and media and is currently writing for the American Chronicle, the Weekly Blitz, VacTruth and Namaste UK on immunization safety and efficacy.

England’s main areas of expertise are researching false allegations of child abuse and adverse reactions to vaccines. Her work is now read internationally and has been translated into many languages. England has been a guest on Holy Hormones Honey – The Greatest Story Never Told! on KRFC FM 88.9 in, Colorado. She has spoken at seminars worldwide and including Canada in 2011 and recently co authored the book ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome or Vaccine Induced Encephalitis – Are Parents Being Falsely Accused?’ with Dr Harold Buttram.

 

Vaccines, Apparent Life-Threatening Events, Barlow’s Disease, and Questions about “Shaken Baby Syndrome”

Michael D. Innis, MBBS

ABSTRACT

Apparent Life-Threatening Events (ALTEs), as defined by the
National Institutes of Health, encompass all the findings hitherto
attributed to “Shaken Baby Syndrome” (SBS), and may follow
routine vaccination. Vaccines may also induce vitamin C deficiency
(Barlow’s disease), especially in formula-fed infants or infants
whose mothers smoke. This could account for some of the changes
seen in these infants, including hemorrhages, bruises, and
fractures. Vitamin C deficiency should be excluded in patients
suspected to have SBS.

Definitions

“Shaken baby syndrome” (SBS) is a collection of findings, not
all of which may be present in any individual infant diagnosed to
have the condition. Findings include intracranial hemorrhage,
retinal hemorrhage, and fractures of the ribs and at the ends of the
long bones. Impact trauma may produce additional injuries such as
bruises, lacerations, or other fractures.
The National Institutes of Health, at its 1986 Health Consensus
Development Conference on Infantile Apnea and Home
Monitoring, defined “Apparent Life-Threatening Event” (ALTE)
as an episode that is frightening to the observer and is characterized
by some combination of apnea (central or occasionally
obstructive), color change (usually cyanotic or pallid but
occasionally erythematous or plethoric), marked change in muscle
tone (usually marked limpness), and choking or gagging. In some
cases, the observer fears that the infant has died. ALTE is not so
much a specific diagnosis as a description of an event.

Overview

SBS is often suspected in infants who present with unexplained
bruising, subdural hemorrhages, and retinal hemorrhages. Manual
shaking with whiplash-induced intracranial and intraocular bleeds
is thought to be the most likely cause of these injuries. However,
on questioning, most parents and caregivers vehemently deny
having shaken or harmed the baby. Could the symptoms classically
attributed to SBS actually have another cause?

In the case reports that follow, further analysis of the clinical,
laboratory, and postmortem features in infants diagnosed with SBS
suggests the possibility of an alternate explanation for their
subdural hemorrhages, retinal hemorrhages, and bony lesions or
bruises. In each of these instances, an ALTE occurred. All the
caregivers involved in these cases have strongly and repeatedly
rejected the notion of nonaccidental injury or SBS.

Geddes et al. have hypothesized that in the immature brain,
hypoxia alone is sufficient to activate the pathophysiologic cascade
that culminates in dural hemorrhage. Is it possible thatALTE, when
associated with anoxia and cyanosis, could cause subdural
hemorrhage in conformity with the Geddes hypothesis?
Moreover, the clinical picture of Barlow’s disease, infantile
vitamin C deficiency, resembles that of “battered baby” or child
abuse, as it may also present with multiple hemorrhages and fractures.

Case I

A male infant was born to a 20-year-old mother after a 41-week
gestation by normal vaginal delivery. His Apgar scores were 8 at
one minute and 9 at five minutes. Injections of vitaminK1mg (IM)
and hepatitis B vaccine (Hep B) were given. During pregnancy the
mother had a urinary tract infection and iron-deficiency anemia and
had been treated with an antibiotic and ferrous sulfate. The infant
was breastfed for two months and then fed formula. The mother
smoked about 10 cigarettes per day

At the infant’s routine check at age 2 months, his navel had still
not healed, and some bright red discharge was noted.
Immunizations consisting of diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular
pertussis (DTaP),Hemophilus influenzae,B (Hib), and Hep B
vaccines were given. These were repeated two months later.

On the night after the second set of immunizations, the mother
said the infant was “fussy,” and she gave him Tylenol. The
following day the baby’s father gave him a bath and put him on the
bed while he attended to some other matter for about two minutes.
When he returned, he found that the infant was limp, unresponsive,
and not breathing. Shortly thereafter the infant became blue.

On arrival at the nearest hospital, the infant was found to be
pulseless. He was intubated and mechanically ventilated, and his
pulse was restored. Examination revealed evidence of an
intracranial bleed and bilateral retinal hemorrhages. The magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) report stated: “There is abnormal
restricted diffusion and decreased apparent diffusion coefficient in
the entire territory of the bilateral anterior and posterior cerebral
arteries and partial left greater than the right middle cerebral
arteries. These findings are consistent with acute ischemic
infarction. Minimal extra-axial parafalcine interhemispheric
hyperintense signal on T1 and diffusion weighted images is likely a
small [acute] subdural hemorrhage. Effacement of the sulci in the
areas of infarction is consistent with edema. No evidence to suggest
posterior fossa infarct is demonstrated.”
In addition, another report noted “subdural hemorrhages
[presumed to be acute] extending from the posterior fossa, through
the foramen magnum, and along the dorsal cord to the inferior endplate
of C3.Nocord compression or deformity.”

Multiple computerized axial tomographic (CAT) sections of the
head were obtained without contrast and showed “findings
consistent with sub-arachnoid hemorrhage as well as cerebral
edema associated with anoxia.”
A skeletal survey showed “findings consistent with a
nondisplaced fracture of the distal left tibia,” and two weeks later
the report stated, “the previously noted nondisplaced left distal
tibial fracture is not well seen.” The possibility of temporary brittle
bone disease as described by Paterson et al., who attributed it to a
temporary deficiency of an enzyme in the post-transitional
processing of collagen, was apparently not considered.
Blood studies showed a prothrombin time of 17.9 sec (normal
range, 8.2–14.1); partial thromboplastin time, 35.5 sec (28.0–50.0);
aspartate aminotransferase, 97 U/L (20–60); glycine, 131 µmol/L
(224–514); lysine, 66 µmol/L (114–269); hemoglobin, 11.0 g/dL (10-
13.5); platelets, 382 x 10 /L (150–450); pH, 7.26 (7.35-7.45);
bicarbonate, 18.2 mmol/L(21–29); and glucose, 188 mg/dL(60–80).
The recorded diagnoses were “non-accidental injury” and
“shaken baby syndrome.” The infant survived, but was
developmentally delayed and required a gastrostomy.

Case 2

A female infant was born at term weighing 2.9 kg. The mother
had almost daily vomiting throughout the pregnancy and weighed
less after delivery than she did before she became pregnant.
Because of the persistent vomiting, she was unable to consume the
vitamin and iron supplements she was advised to take. She also
smoked during her pregnancy. The infant was given an IM injection
of 1mg vitaminKat birth. She was formula fed.
At about three weeks of age the infant suddenly awakened from
her sleep, screaming. The mother interpreted the scream as a cry of
pain rather than hunger. The infant vomited, and then settled after a
short interval.
While bathing the infant the next morning, the mother noticed a
deep purple bruise on her arm. Another bruise appeared about 2 cm
from the first one. No investigations were done to establish the
cause of these bruises.
Following this episode the infant was reasonably well, and at
age 7 weeks weighed 4.25 kg. She was given DTaP, Hib, and
meningitis C vaccines at 8 weeks. From then on, she refused her
regular feedings and started vomiting, and was therefore admitted
to the hospital six days after the vaccinations.
After discharge from hospital, while being bottle-fed by the
father 11 days after being vaccinated, she “suddenly collapsed,
stopped breathing, and went floppy.” The physician on emergency
call found the baby “very blue initially” and said she may have been
“hypoxic for 6-8 minutes.” CPR was attempted and the infant was
admitted to the hospital, where she was intubated and resuscitated,
but died shortly afterward.
Radiological findings included a subdural hemorrhage, 12
“fractures” involving all four limbs, and seven rib “fractures” of
varying ages. These findings were confirmed at post-mortem
examination.

Radiologic and postmortem examinations showed that the
anterior ends of the third through tenth ribs were “broadened”
bilaterally. This is consistent with the typical “scorbutic rosary”
alluded to in Nelson’s Textbook of Pediatrics in which, referring to
infantile scurvy, it is stated: “A ‘rosary’ at the costochondral
junctions and depression of the sternum are other typical features.”
Other relevant laboratory results were as follows: Factor VIII,
221 IU/dL (normal range 50–125); vonWillebrand factor antigen,
253 IU/dL (50–246); fibrinogen, 4.0 g/L (1.7–4.0); alkaline
phosphatase, 321 U/L (65–265); alanine transaminase, 59 U/L
(5–45); lactate, 6.6 mmol/L (1.1–2.2); calcium, 2.32 mmol/L
(2.37–2.74); albumin, 28 g/L (35–55); lysine, 55 µmol/L
(100–300); hemoglobin, 9.0 g/L (10–13.5); lymphocytes, 2.80
x10 /L (3–13.5); and eosinophils, 0.01 x 10 /L(0.1-0.3). In addition
to lysine, the levels of six other essential amino acids were reduced.
Levels of glutamine and two other nonessential amino acids were
also reduced.
Autopsy revealed subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhages,
cerebral edema, and widespread acute ischemic changes.
There was general agreement among the pediatricians,
radiologists, and pathologists that the varying age of the lesions
indicated repeated episodes of violent abuse such as shaking, and
that death was caused by nonaccidental injury. Yet there had been
no evidence of injury or other reason to suspect abuse at the time of
hospitalization, or in the many visits to the doctor’s office. The
origin of the “fractures” remains undetermined; however, given the
compromised nutritional status of the baby in utero, fractures could
be caused by temporary brittle bone disease.

Discussion

The current concept of SBS includes intracranial bleeding,
usually in the form of a subdural hematoma, which may be acute or
chronic; parenchymal injury and/or anoxic changes in the brain;
skull fracture (if impact occurred); and retinal hemorrhages.
Constant features are subdural and retinal hemorrhages. Various
fractures including those of the long bones and ribs are often used to
support an impression of child abuse, but it should not be forgotten
that Barlow’s disease can resemble “battered baby.”
As far as we are aware, no one has measured the blood levels of
vitamin C or histamine in cases of suspected SBS. The possible
existence of vitamin C deficiency is therefore hypothesized from
clinical, radiological, and other laboratory findings. There are
several features, common to both cases, that predispose to or are
consistent with a diagnosis of vitaminCdeficiency:
1. The mothers had documented nutritional problems and were
unwell during their pregnancies.
2. The mothers smoked during their pregnancies, thereby
lowering their own and their infants’vitaminClevels.
3. Both infants were being formula fed at the time of their
illnesses, and the mothers were not advised to give supplemental
vitamin C.
4. Both parents reported early evidence consistent with
Barlow’s disease: spontaneous bruising in one infant and delayed
wound healing in the other.

5. Both infants had deficiencies in essential and nonessential
amino acids necessary for the production of normal collagen, which
is essential to prevent scurvy.
6. Both infants had evidence of liver dysfunction.
7. Unexplained “fractures” were recorded in both children.
In addition to the low amino acid levels, the second infant had
additional evidence of malnutrition in that the serum albumin,
calcium, and hemoglobin levels were all low.
Animal experiments have demonstrated that administration of
vitamin C can counter some of the ill effects of nicotine in
newborns. This suggests that mothers who smoke may
compromise vitaminClevels in their children.
One essential function of vitamin C is maintenance of normal
connective tissue by the hydroxylation of proline and lysine in
procollagen, using the enzyme prolyl hydroxylase with vitamin C
as a cofactor. While vitamin C has numerous other functions, this
one maintains the integrity of the blood vessels, bones, and dentine,
which is compromised in scurvy, leading to the manifestations that
might be mistaken for SBS. A lack of normal collagen causes
capillary walls to break down, and hemorrhaging may occur from
any site in the body. Expansion at the ends of the costochondral
junctions is highly suspicious for scurvy, and should in itself have
raised questions about the diagnosis of SBS.
Formula feedings are often heated before being given to the
infant, and heat destroys vitamin C. Under such circumstances,
vitamin C supplements are needed to prevent scurvy. Neither infant
received a supplement.
The increased level of von Willebrand factor antigen in the
second infant could be the result of the release of the antigen from
scurvy-disrupted capillary endothelial cells in which it is
produced. Alternatively, von Willebrand factor is a known acute
phase reactant that is possibly increased in response to the
stimulus of vaccination.
Clemetson has shown that increasing levels of blood histamine
are accompanied by lower vitaminClevels. As part of the immune
response to vaccines, mast cells liberate histamine, causing further
widening of the intercellular spaces between the vascular
endothelial cells in children who may have subclinical scurvy.
Although it has not been established that vaccinations cause
vitamin C deficiency, the inverse relationship between histamine
and vitamin C levels in the blood would support the hypothesis that
vaccinations could lead to vitamin C deficiency, and might explain
spontaneous bleeding.
Follis, reporting the sudden deaths of three infants with scurvy,
observed that “the liver was yellowish” and “showed atrophy of the
central cells and a good deal of fatty infiltration.” As noted, some
liver enzymes in both infants were abnormal.
Post-immunization deaths in aboriginal children in Australia were
greatly reduced when Kalokerinos administered vitamin C by IM
injection before, and sometimes after, immunizing the child. Many
of these children had the classical signs and symptoms of scurvy.

Conclusion

Although neither vitamin C levels nor histamine in the blood
were measured, clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings
suggest that the diagnosis of SBS should be questioned in these two
cases. Poor nutrition and possible vaccine-induced vitamin C
deficiency associated with temporary brittle bone disease may
represent alternative explanations. Infantile scurvy, while
uncommon in affluent countries, should nevertheless be routinely
excluded before a diagnosis of SBS is made.

Michael D. Innis, MBBS, DTM&H, FRCPA, FRCPath

is honorary consultant hematologist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia. Contact: 1 White-Dove Court, Wurtulla,
Queensland, Australia 4575. Phone +61 (0)7.5493.2826. Fax +61
(0)7.5493. 2826. Contact: micinnis@ozemail.com.au.

Acknowledgements:

I wish to thank the parents of the children reported
here for sendingmethe records of the children and allowingmeto report the
results of the investigation.

Potential Conflict of Interest:

Dr. Innis has have been paid consulting fees
in three cases of alleged child abuse, but in none of them was the question
of vaccination raised. He has given his opinion pro bono in several others.

Article Found On:

http://www.profitableharm.com/Michael%20Innis.html

For Source And Full References With This Article Please See:

http://www.profitableharm.com/images/innis%20paper%20sbs%5B1%5D.pdf

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