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Show f Jun 7. 2001 'Shaken baby' top cause of abuse deaths by Jason We Electronic Systems Center Public Affairs HAN SCO M AHi. Mass. (AFPN) Shaken Baby is in child abuse of the cause death Syndrom leading cases in the United States, according to a nonprofit "People need to understand that the syndrome results from very vigorous shaking or slamming a not from bouncing to baby against a surface calm a fussy baby," he said. Although SBS is occasionally seen in children up to 4 years old, the vast majority of incidents occur in infants who are younger than 1 year old. The averorganization devoted to children's health. The syndrome results from injuries caused by a perage age of victims is between 3 and 8 months. son shaking an infant, usually for five to 20 secAbout 60 percent of shaken babies are male. Chilonds, but sometimes in as little as one or two. according dren of families who live at or below the poverty level to officials at the Nemours Foundation. The founare at an increased risk for SBS as well as any other dation is the largest physician practice organiza- type of child abuse, officials said. tion delivering subspecialty pediatric care in the To diagnose SBS, doctors look for hemorrhages in United States. the retinas of the eyes, which are extremely rare in When someone violently shakes a baby, the child's any accidental injuries. They also look for skull frachead rotates about uncontrollably because an infant's tures, swelling of the brain, subdural hematomas neck muscles are not well developed and provide lit(blood collections pressing on the surface of the tle support for the head. The violent movement throws brain), fractures in the arms, legs and ribs as well as the infant's brain back and forth within the skull, rup- bruises around the head, neck or chest. In severe cases, the death rate is as high as one half. turing blood vessels and nerves throughout the brain and tearing brain tissue. The brain also strikes the Children who manage to survive may suffer partial inside of the skull, causing further injury. or total blindness, hearing loss, seizures, developThe damage increases when the shaking ends with mental delays, impaired intellect, speech and learnan impact, such as hitting a wall or a crib mattress, ing difficulties, problems with memory and attention because the forces of acceleration and deceleration or paralysis. Some particularly traumatic episodes associated with an impact are so strong. After the leave children in a coma. shaking, swelling in the brain can cause enormous Even in milder cases, where babies look normal within the blood vessels skull, pressure compressing immediately after the shaking, they may eventually and increasing injury. develop one or more of these problems. Lt. Col. (Dr.) Steven Boos, the Air Force Surgeon Occasionally problems are not detected until the General's chief consultant for pediatrics and child child enters the school system. abuse, said parents should feel comfortable in carThe real goal is prevention," said Capt. (Dr.) Greing for their children and realize that gentle vibra- gory Lawton, 66th Medical Group pediatrician here. tion is not going to result in SBS. "Shaken Baby Syndrome is 100 percent preventable. 3. r L -- I WISE JESS SMmi If any baby in your care is becoming too frustrating for you to handle, simply put the baby down in a safe place on his or her back, such as a crib or car seat, and walk away for 10 minutes. You and your child will both live through 10 minutes of crying." Finding ways to alleviate the caregiver's stress will significantly reduce the risk to the child, Lawton said. If a baby will not stop crying, people can llowing: try the fo- Make sure the baby's basic needs are met. For example, the baby is not hungry and does not need to be changed. Check for signs of illness, like fever or swollen gums; Rock or walk with the baby; Sing or talk to the baby; Offer the baby a pacifier or a noisy toy; Take the child for a ride in a stroller or in a car seat in the car; Swaddle the baby snugly in a blanket; Turn on the stereo, run the vacuum cleaner or the clothes dryer, or run water in the tub (babies like rhythmic noise); Hold the baby close against your body and breathe calmly and slowly; Call a friend or relative for support or to take care of the baby while you take a break; If nothing else works, put the baby on its back in its crib, close the door, and check on it in 10 minutes. For more information on preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome talk to a primary care manager, pediatrician or the local family support center. ISf Chriot(kto kk HOME FINANCING UNITED SECURITY FINANCIAL, INC. 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