Munchausen syndrome by proxy and pediatric nephrology

Abstract

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a persistent fabrication of illness done by a person to another. Renal and urologic forms of this syndrome are not as uncommon as can be thought; a review of all the cases of Munchausen-by-proxy syndrome reveals that 25% of the children had renal or urologic issues. This syndrome can result in a serious diagnostic dilemma for the physicians; knowing this entity can allow early recognition of falsification and limit the physical and psychological damages caused in the victim. In this study, we reviewed the pediatric nephrology cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, grouping them through the principal signs of presentation.

Keywords: Child; Munchausen syndrome by proxy; Nephrology; Renal disease; Urological disorder.