In a comprehensive review of 62 studies comprising 998 children, 504 of whom were abused, RH were found in 78% of cases of abusive head trauma (AHT) versus 5% of the cases of non-abusive head trauma. In a child with head trauma and RH, the odds ratio that this is AHT is 14.7 (95% CI 6.39, 33.62) and the probability of abuse is 91%. Where recorded, RH were bilateral in 83% of AHT cases compared to 8.3% in non-abusive cases.The generally accepted body of medical literature is strongly in favor of the tight association between retinal hemorrhages and child abuse, and there is no controversy among mainstream medicine. However, the courtroom has become a forum for speculative theories that cannot be reconciled with generally accepted medical literature. These theories are perpetuated by a small group of fringe doctors regularly testifying for the defense in cases of child abuse, citing case reports and weak scientific papers, that RH is not caused by shaking. Diagnosis
A retinal hemorrhage is generally diagnosed by using an ophthalmoscope or fundus camera in order to examine the inside of the eye. A fluorescein angiography test may be conducted, in which a fluorescent dye is often injected into the patients bloodstream beforehand so the administering ophthalmologist can have a more detailed view and examination on the blood vessels in the retina.
See also
Visual impairment

References


== Further reading ==