Paediatric Forensic Medicine and Pathology / Edition 2

by Anthony Busuttil, Jean Keeling

Overview

Child abuse and suspicious child deaths are very complicated matters for clinicians, pathologists, law enforcement officials and legal professionals to investigate. Meanwhile, the evidence base for forensic pathology, especially in paediatrics, is steadily growing. In Paediatric Forensic Medicine and Pathology, two internationally acclaimed editors have brought together a first class author team who provide an up-to-date, comprehensive, and thorough review of the contemporary problems encountered in practice today.

Individual chapters explore the emerging role of imaging in the diagnosis of non-accidental injury and compare recent evidence contrasting sudden infant death and SIDS; the head and neck injury chapter carefully explores the 'shaken baby syndrome' and similar patterns of injury that have recently gained widespread media attention. Special emphasis is given to interview and assessment procedures, and useful clinical forms are included throughout the book. Whether in a clinical, laboratory, or legal setting, readers dealing with forensic inquiries or who are in preparation for court will find the comprehensive background and evidence base necessary to support their investigations.

Paediatric Forensic Medicine and Pathology is an invaluable resource for forensic pathologists, paediatric pathologists, and paediatricians, as well as all practitioners in the judicial and legal, criminal investigation and social services systems that have to deal with such cases.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780340731574
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/28/2008
Series:	A Hodder Arnold Publication Series
Pages:	522
Product dimensions:	8.25(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Anthony Busuttil is Emeritus Regius Professor of Forensic Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, and Medical Director, Forensic Medical Services, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK

Jean W Keeling was formerly Consultant Paediatric Pathologist at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK

Table of Contents

1 Clinical assessment in suspected child abuse
2 Investigation of suspected sexual abuse
3 Radiology of child abuse
4 Haematological abnormalities that can simulate abuse
5 Biochemical investigations on post-mortem specimens
6 Ocular involvement in non-accidental injury
7 The death scene following the sudden death of a child
8 Post-mortem examination in babies and children
9 The pathology of neuropathological abnormality in early life
10 Fetal and perinatal death
11 Sudden unexpected death in infancy. SIDS or something else?
12 Sudden natural death in infants and children
13 Recent advances in paediatric toxicology
14 Head and neck injuries
15 Heat-induced injury or death
16 Asphyxial deaths in children
17 Accidental injuries in children
18 Drowning and near drowning
19 Sudden death of children in hospital
20 Road traffic accidents in children
21 Forensic DNA profiling in cases involving children
22 The dentist's role in child abuse and neglect
23 Paediatric dental identification
24 The expert witness and expert testimony

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Katie L Dennis, MD (University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description: This comprehensive book covers all aspects of investigating and interpreting findings in cases of child abuse, neglect, and death. From clinical interview and assessment procedures, to postmortem examination techniques, to expert witness guidelines, all facets of the medical and legal knowledge required to investigate and document these complicated cases are thoroughly detailed.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a comprehensive guide to assist legal and medical practitioners in dealing with such cases, to guide them in the appropriate interpretation of findings, and to provide the latest, evidence-based information in the field.
Audience: The book is aimed at medical and legal practitioners in the field of pediatric and/or forensic medicine.
Features: This is a thorough examination of the full spectrum of investigation into pediatric forensic cases. Special emphasis is given to investigating and assessing alleged child abuse and neglect with pertinent clinical assessment forms available in the appendix. Other chapters are devoted to relevant specialist areas such as hematology, radiology, toxicology, and odontology. General areas of forensic pathology as they relate to pediatric cases are addressed including the latest evidence regarding sudden infant death and SIDS. Excellent information is provided throughout regarding legal aspects and guidelines for testimony. Tables of standard measurement are provided in the appendix.
Assessment: This up-to-date book covers all aspects of investigating pediatric forensic cases, including assessment of injuries, postmortem examination, clinical testing, and investigation in a medicolegal setting. This is an excellent book that will be a valuable resource for medical or legal practitioners investigating cases in this complex field.

Doody's Review Service

"a concise compendium on this fascinating sub-specialty of forensic pathology ... clearly written and lavishly illustrated"

Richard Jones, www.forensicmed.co.uk, 2009

"This up-to-date book covers all aspects of investigating pediatric forensic cases, including assessment of injuries, postmortem examination, clinical testing, and investigation in a medicolegal setting. This is an excellent book that will be a valuable resource for medical or legal practitioners investigating cases in this complex field. 5 Stars!"

/Katie Dennis, MD, Doody's Review Service, 2009

"(This) is a well-written book in a clear format with well-chosen references ... I would expect this book to be enthusiastically received by its intended readership of medical and legal practitioners dealing with inflicted injury in childhood."

Professor R Anthony Risdon, The Bulletin of the Royal College of Pathologists

From the Publisher