Prevalence of Retinal Hemorrhages in Nonabused Critically Ill Children

The association between retinal hemorrhage (RH) and abusive head trauma is well established, and accurate distinction between accidental and abusive RH is important. In a recent systematic review, the combination of apnea and RH was found to best discriminate accidental from abusive head injury (Arch Dis Child 2009; 94:860). In the current study, investigators prospectively examined the prevalence of RH in nonabused critically ill children (age range, >6 weeks to 16 years) who were admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit in the U.K. from February 2008 to December 2009. Children with suspected or proven abusive head trauma, those with penetrating eye trauma, and elective admissions were excluded. Overall, 161 (of 356) families of childre…