Munchausen syndrome by proxy: a review.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a form of child abuse in which a parent or caretaker simulates or produces illness in a child. Case reports of Munchausen syndrome by proxy document a wide and confusing spectrum of symptoms. The children who are the victims of this syndrome suffer morbidity linked to numerous unnecessary hospital admissions and diagnostic procedures, severe psychological morbidity, and a significant risk of mortality. Because of these extreme consequences, all health-care professionals must be able to recognize its warning signals.