A retrospective cohort study of suspected child maltreatment cases resulting in hospitalization

ObjectivesAlthough the incidence and risk factors of child abuse have been well researched, there continues to be a need for large studies that provide information regarding the process of recognizing children whose health and lives are most seriously threatened by abuse and neglect, in particular children requiring hospitalization as a result of child abuse. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe differences in the type of injuries and illnesses of children hospitalized for abuse and neglect and (2) assess the relationship between in-hospital mortality and child maltreatment.MethodsFor this retrospective cohort study, child maltreatment cases were identified using medical record databases of patients treated in all hospitals and trauma units in Illinois. A comparison group of children not suffering from suspected maltreatment were randomly selected and matched by age and data source to the suspected maltreatment cases.Subjects2656 children under the age of 13 years suspected of suffering maltreatment who were admitted to any hospital in Illinois between 2000 and 2009.ResultsThe analysis showed distinct patterns in injury, physical illness and psychological disorders for each subgroup of maltreatment cases. Among the cases of maltreatment 75.6% were discharged home, 2.9% into child protective services and 15.8% to an intermediate care facility. In the final multivariable conditional logistic regression model, children suffering maltreatment continued to have a higher odds of dying during hospitalization (adjusted OR = 2.99; CI95%: 1.63, 5.45; p < 0.001).ConclusionThere were distinct diagnostic patterns and outcomes among suspected cases of child maltreatment admitted to Illinois hospitals over a 10-year period. This large retrospective cohort study confirms findings reported in many smaller studies and larger national cross-sectional surveys.