Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: A Case Study
Author Information
Author(s): Vlad Raluca Maria, Dobritoiu Ruxandra, Turenschi Alina, Pacurar Daniela
Primary Institution: Department of Paediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Hypothesis
How can prolonged fever in a child be linked to Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
Conclusion
The case highlights the challenges in diagnosing Munchausen syndrome by proxy, as the child's symptoms were never observed during hospitalization.
Supporting Evidence
- The child had multiple hospital visits for unexplained fever and symptoms.
- The mother developed a close relationship with the medical staff.
- Symptoms reported by the mother were never observed by medical personnel.
Takeaway
A mother made her child appear sick by inventing symptoms, which is a serious form of child abuse called Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Methodology
The case involved repeated hospital admissions and extensive medical investigations to rule out various diseases.
Potential Biases
The mother's calm demeanor and medical knowledge may have influenced the medical staff's perceptions and decisions.
Limitations
The diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome by proxy is difficult due to the lack of observable symptoms during medical evaluations.
Participant Demographics
The patient was a 3-year and 8-month-old boy; the mother had a medical background.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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