Nonaccidental trauma and failure to thrive.

Charts were reviewed of 140 children who were discharged from Denver General Hospital (DGH) with diagnoses of nonaccidental trauma or failure to thrive. These children were all enrolled in a neighborhood health program. It was found that boys and girls were affected equally and that most of these children were under 3 years of age. In relation to their representation in the Neighborhood Health Program, more white children were abused or failed to thrive than children from other racial groups. A disproportionate number of children had birth weights under 2,500 gm as compared to children born at DGH. Young parents who were raised in disrupted families were involved in child abuse more frequently than were individuals from more stable families. Bruising was the most frequent injury and was most prevalent among boys under 3 years of age. Fractures were the second most common injury and occurred equally among boys and girls. There appeared to be a seasonal variation in the incidence of abuse.