Presumed non-accidental injury with retinal haemorrhages – findings from a tertiary referral centre in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Aim: To describe the clinical and demographic features of patients with retinal haemorrhages from presumed non-accidental injury (NAI) at a tertiary referral centre in Leeds over a 2-year period.

Methods: All patients with retinal haemorrhages from presumed NAI between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2008 were retrospectively identified from the hospital RetCam® (Clarity Medical System, Pleasanton, CA, USA) database. Case-notes, fundus photographs and radiological studies were retrieved for all patients and examined.

Results: Over the study period, 14 infants had retinal haemorrhages secondary to presumed NAI. All were male with a mean age of 18 ± 15 weeks (range 2–47) and came from areas with a mean Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD 2007) rank of 34 ± 27% (range 0.97–68). Seizure/collapse was the reason for presentation in 71% (10/14). Retinal haemorrhages were bilateral in 64% (9/14) and unilateral in 36% (5/14). They were single-layered in 71% (10/14) and multi-layered in 29% (4/14). Subdural haemorrhages were found in 93% (13/14) and were symmetrical in 77% (10/13). Skeletal survey was positive in 28% (4/14).

Conclusions: In the context of presumed NAI, there is a strong association between presence of retinal haemorrhages and the likelihood of underlying subdural haemorrhage. In this region, male infants under 12 months, from deprived areas, appear to constitute a vulnerable group.

• Retinal haemorrhages
• non-accidental injury