AIM—To obtain aprevalence rate and determine the distribution of accidental bruisingin babies. METHODS—177 babiesaged 6-12 months were examined naked to look for bruises. They wereseen in health visitor hearing test clinics and child healthsurveillance clinics. The site, size, shape, and colour of bruises wererecorded on a skin map, and the parent's explanation noted. Any otherinjury was recorded. Data collection included the baby's age, mobilityand weight, demographic details, and health visitor concerns. RESULTS—Twenty twobabies had bruises, giving a prevalence rate of 12%. There was a totalof 32 bruises, 15 babies had one bruise. All bruises were found on thefront of the body and were located over bony prominences. Twenty fiveof the bruises were on the face and head, and seven were on the shin.The babies with bruises on the shin were mobile. There was a highlysignificant increase in bruises with increase in mobility. CONCLUSIONS—The studyhas produced a prevalence and distribution of bruising in babies andsets a baseline from which to work when assessing bruises. It alsotested out the methodology, which could be used in further research,particularly of younger babies. Clinicians need to assess a baby'slevel of development when considering whether a bruise is accidental.
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