Citation

Goss PW, McDougall PN. Med. J. Aust. 1992; 157(11-12): 814-817.

Affiliation

Department of Neonatology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Australian Medical Association, Publisher Australasian Medical Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1454018

Abstract

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.

Language: en