Hematemesis in Children: A Potential Sign of Parental Psychiatric Disorder

TL;DR

This paper discusses two cases where a mother fabricated her children's bleeding symptoms, highlighting the importance of recognizing such abuse.

Contribution

The paper contributes by presenting two new clinical cases of MSBP involving hematemesis caused by a mother.

Findings

MSBP was identified in two cases where the mother was responsible for inducing bleeding symptoms in her children.

Early recognition of MSBP is crucial to prevent long-term health issues and fatalities in affected children.

Abstract

Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a rare form of abuse characterized by the fabrication or induction of symptoms of illness in a child by a close relative, typically a parent, leading to multiple consultations and varying degrees of invasive medical interventions. Various clinical presentations are described in the literature, ranging from organic manifestations to psychiatric expressions. This syndrome remains a challenging diagnosis to make and requires increased awareness among healthcare professionals. Prompt recognition is key to preventing potential long-term comorbidities and even fatalities. Here, we are reporting two cases of MSBP manifested by bleeding, with the perpetrator being the mother.

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