Genetic and congenital defect conditions that mimic child abuse.

Several medical conditions have been reported to mimic the physical manifestations of child abuse and neglect (CAN). These conditions include genetic, congenital, and other disorders that may result in poor weight gain, bone fracture, or skin lesions that appear to be bruises or burns. Society demands that medical personnel who care for children be aware of the many indicators that suggest CAN. This article is a review of 6 of 18 cases among 264 that were referred to a child abuse team over a 3-year period because of suspected abuse in which medical disorders were initially and erroneously diagnosed as CAN. This report also suggests ways to support aggrieved parents who have been mistakenly reported to be child abusers.