Archives of disease in childhood
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To assess the prevalence of engagement in self-asphyxial (risk-taking) behaviour (SAB) ('choking game') and associated morbidity and mortality in children and young people up to age 20. ⋯ The current evidence on SAB among young people is limited, and stems predominantly from North America and France. Awareness of SAB among young people is high, and engagement varies by setting. Further research is needed to understand the level of risk and harm associated with SAB, and to determine the appropriate public health response.
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Comparative Study
Abusive head trauma and accidental head injury: a 20-year comparative study of referrals to a hospital child protection team.
To describe children referred for suspected abusive head trauma (AHT) to a hospital child protection team in Auckland, New Zealand. ⋯ The striking increase in referrals for AHT probably represents increasing incidence. The decision to refer a hospitalised child with a head injury for assessment for possible AHT should not be influenced by socio-economic status or ethnicity. Children over 2 years old hospitalised for AHT are usually injured by mechanisms involving impact and should be considered at high risk of death.