Evaluation of a Temporal Association between Vaccination and Subdural Hematoma in Infants.

Objective: To investigate a temporal association between vaccination and subdural hematoma, the main feature of abusive head trauma.

Study Design: From a prospective population-based survey carried out in 1 administrative district in France between January 2015 and April 2017, including all infants between 11 and 52 weeks old who underwent a first cerebral imaging (computerized tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging), we conducted a nested case-control study. Vaccine exposure was compared between cases (infants with subdural hematoma) and 2-3 paired controls, without subdural hematoma or any other imaging findings compatible with abusive head trauma.

[How to detect and what to do with child abuse?].

Child abuse is a major public health problem. The consequences including death, but also physical injuries and psychological troubles. To know and recognize the possibility of child abuse is essential for all doctors.

[Recognizing clinical signs suggesting child abuse in young children].

It is difficult to diagnose child abuse. Any injury to a child should raise the essential question as to its plausibility. Any incompatibility between the nature of the lesion and the child's age, or the explanations given, should suggest intentional injury.