Intentional Asphyxiation Using Baby Wipes: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2020 Jul;36(7):e397-e398. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000002159.

Abstract

Abusive suffocation with foreign bodies is an uncommon form of child abuse. We present the case of a 2-month-old infant with colic who was forcibly suffocated with a baby wipe by a female babysitter. He presented to the emergency department in respiratory distress, and the foreign body was removed in the operating room by otorhinolaryngology. He was found to have intraoral lacerations and a left diaphyseal humeral fracture. To our knowledge, there is only 1 other collection of case reports of abusive suffocation with baby wipes. This case highlights the importance of considering abuse in cases of oral injury and foreign body aspiration in pediatric patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction / etiology*
  • Asphyxia / etiology*
  • Child Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Colic / complications
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male