RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Munchausen syndrome by proxy
JF Neurosciences Journal
JO Neurosciences (Riyadh)
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 177
OP 181
VO 5
IS 3
A1 Roshan L. Koul
A1 Alexander Chacko
A1 Zakia Al-Lamki
A1 Adel M. Al-Amri
A1 Saleh Al-Khusaiby
YR 2000
UL http://nsj.org.sa/content/5/3/177.abstract
AB Five children (3F:2M), in the age group 1 years to 11 years, with Munchausen syndrome by proxy are reported from the Sultanate of Oman. They were seen over a four years period from 1996-1999. In all these children, the mother came up with history of uncontrolled epilepsy. Carbamazepine was the most common antiepileptic drug used. One of these children remained hospitalized elsewhere for nearly 9 months, as a case of uncontrolled status epilepticus. It took 18 months to 6 years (mean 2.8 years) to establish the diagnosis and the mother was the offender in all. The main lead to diagnosis, was the disparity between history and clinical presentation to hospital. The carbamazepine levels were several times above the upper limit of therapeutic range. Munchausen syndrome by proxy very much exists here, but is possibly less recognized and needs immediate attention to formulate policies to identify and manage these children. It is necessary to create awareness even in the medical community, to recognise this problem. There is an urgent need to develop a child protection council at the national or regional level.