The death of a child with diabetes from neglect. A case study.

Abstract

This case report of a child with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) describes a naturally occurring ABABCA design. The A condition represents poor diabetes management provided in the home setting, and the B and C conditions represent improved diabetes management in residential treatment (condition B) or foster care (condition C). The A condition was consistently associated with episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis, high glycosylated hemoglobin percentage, and school failure. In contrast, the B/C conditions were consistently associated with improved health status and school performance. On two occasions, the child was returned to condition A by the state's protective service agency (HRS) in direct conflict with the recommendations of the child's psychological and medical treatment staff. During her last condition A placement, the youngster died. Chronically ill children who are neglected may not receive the protection they need because of lack of awareness about the psychosomatic aspects of their problem.

• Authors: G Geffken, S B Johnson, J Silverstein, A Rosenbloom
• Journal: Clinical pediatrics (Clin Pediatr (Phila)) Vol. 31 Issue 6 Pg. 325-30 (Jun 1992) ISSN: 0009-9228 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1628464 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Glycated Hemoglobin A

Topics

• Child
• Child Abuse (psychology)
• Child Advocacy (standards)
• Child Behavior
• Child Custody
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 (blood, psychology, therapy)
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (psychology)
• Female
• Foster Home Care
• Glycated Hemoglobin (analysis)
• Humans
• Residential Treatment