POST: "Evidence based medicine and shaken baby syndrome" by Sue Luttner. published on the "On SBS" Blog on August 28, 2012.
GIST: "Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a formal discipline intended to sort out what doctors really know from what they simply believe, “to differentiate objective data from opinion,” explained forensic pathologist Dr. John Plunkett at the second Evidence Based Medicine and Social Investigation conference earlier this month. “Evidence should always trump opinion,” he noted.........There is simply no need to presume shaking, he said, when a child with the triad shows evidence of an impact. Nor is shaking necessary to explain subdurals when the child shows no evidence of impact, because “Subdural collections occur without trauma.” A number of metabolic and infectious diseases can cause them, as well as vascular malformations and any interruption of oxygen to the brain. Some causes, like Saggittal Sinus Thrombosis, are easy to diagnose, Plunkett said, but “Superficial Cortical Venous Thrombosis is routinely missed.”.........When faced with the triad and no clear explanation, Plunkett concluded, “The default diagnosis is ‘I don’t know,’ not ‘Abusive Head Trauma.’”"
The entire post can be found at:PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at:
Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at:
http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html
Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com
Harold Levy: Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog.
