'Child abuse' to use medicine maliciously: MD

[Guest guest]

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/100723/science/science_child_abuse_drugs_alcohol_\

pediatrics

'Child abuse' to use medicine maliciously: MD

Fri Jul 23, 1:54 PM

NEW.BRUNSWICK (CBC) - Giving children medications for the wrong reasons is an

unrecognized form of child abuse, a U.S. doctor says.

A review of pharmaceutical-related cases of child abuse in the U.S. between 2000

and 2008 showed cases that included use of alcohol, painkillers, cough and cold

medicines, sedatives, sleeping pills and antipsychotic medications.

More than 1,400 cases were found, and nearly 14 per cent involved injuries to

children, Dr. Shan Yin from the University of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain

Poison Drug Center at Denver Health reports in an upcoming issue of the Journal

of Pediatrics.

Nearly half of the abused children were exposed to at least one sedative, Yin

said.

Motives and legal findings were unavailable, but the researcher speculated

parents may use the drugs as a form of punishment, amusement or a desire for a

break from child-care responsibilities.

" The malicious administration of pharmaceuticals should be considered an

important form of child abuse, " Yin said in a release.

Pediatricians and emergency medical personnel should be on alert for this type

of child abuse, and use comprehensive drug screening for children who are

suspected victims of abuse, he added.

Yin also cautioned parents that non-therapeutic use of pharmaceuticals in

children can result in serious harm, including death.