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Munchausen syndrome by proxy — a cause of preterm delivery
Author(s) -
Goss Peter W,
McDougall Peter N
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1992.tb141297.x
Subject(s) - munchausen syndrome , smothering , medicine , pediatrics , child abuse , factitious disorder , pregnancy , gestation , bronchopulmonary dysplasia , poison control , obstetrics , gestational age , injury prevention , psychiatry , medical emergency , biology , genetics , asphyxia
Objective To present the first case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy involving self‐induced preterm delivery. Clinical features A 27‐year‐old Caucasian woman induced antepartum haemorrhage and rupture of membranes with a knitting needle at 26 weeks' gestation, leading to delivery of the infant. This “prenatal child abuse” led to a prolonged intensive care stay, extensive treatment and subsequent bronchopulmonary dysplasia. As the child recovered from the effects of extreme prematurity, he became a victim of fabricated illness and recurrent smothering episodes. Intervention and outcome After the diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome by proxy was made, the child was removed from the mother and he has since enjoyed good health. Conclusion Self‐induction of antepartum haemorrhage can lead to preterm delivery and may be recognisable by certain clinical parameters. The victim of self‐induced preterm delivery, if survival ensues, may be subject to further abuse.