Keywords

caregiver-fabricated illness in a child, chloralose poisoning, forensic science, Munchausen syndrome by proxy

Authors

1. Braham, Mohamed Yassine MD
2. Jedidi, Maher MD
3. Chkirbene, Youssef MD
4. Hmila, Imene MD
5. ElKhal, Mohamed Cherif MD
6. Souguir, Mohamed Kamel MD
7. Ben Dhiab, Mohamed MD

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Caregiver-fabricated illness in a child is a form of child maltreatment caused by a caregiver inducing a child's illness, leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful medical procedures and treatments. This condition can result in significant morbidity and mortality. We present the case of three siblings in Tunisia who were poisoned with chloralose by their own mother. The symptoms that the children presented with led to misdiagnoses, which resulted in the death of two of the children. Characteristics of the clinical presentation are articulated, followed by a discussion of the legal measures that apply to the offender and the role of physicians, nurses, and medicolegal experts involved in such a complex medical situation.