Citation

Braham MY, Jedidi M, Chkirbene Y, Hmila I, ElKhal MC, Souguir MK, Ben Dhiab M. J. Forensic Nurs. 2017; 13(1): 39-42.

Affiliation

Author Affiliation: Department of Legal Medicine, Farhat Hached University Hospital.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, International Association of Forensic Nurses, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1097/JFN.0000000000000141

PMID

28212199

Abstract

Caregiver-fabricated illness in a child is a form of child maltreatment caused by a caregiver inducing a child's illness, leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful medical procedures and treatments. This condition can result in significant morbidity and mortality. We present the case of three siblings in Tunisia who were poisoned with chloralose by their own mother. The symptoms that the children presented with led to misdiagnoses, which resulted in the death of two of the children. Characteristics of the clinical presentation are articulated, followed by a discussion of the legal measures that apply to the offender and the role of physicians, nurses, and medicolegal experts involved in such a complex medical situation.

Language: en