Do retinal haemorrhages occur in infants with convulsions?

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of retinal haemorrhages in infants presenting with convulsions and admitted to hospital, and to consider whether this finding indicates shaken baby syndrome. Prospective study of children aged 15 days to 2 years admitted with a diagnosis of first convulsion over a 2-year period (May 2004-May 2006). All infants were examined by an experienced ophthalmologist using indirect ophthalmoscopy within 72 h of admission. 182 of 389 children seen in the accident and emergency department were admitted and two were found to have retinal haemorrhages. Both children were eventually diagnosed as being abused. Convulsions alone are unlikely to cause retinal haemorrhages in children under 2 years of age.