Version 1
: Received: 31 October 2024 / Approved: 31 October 2024 / Online: 1 November 2024 (13:58:42 CET)
How to cite:
Vlad, R. M.; Dobritoiu, R.; Turenschi, A.; Pacurar, D. Where Reality and Fantasy Collide – Prolonged Fever to Munchausen Syndrome by Proxi. Preprints2024, 2024110019. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0019.v1
Vlad, R. M.; Dobritoiu, R.; Turenschi, A.; Pacurar, D. Where Reality and Fantasy Collide – Prolonged Fever to Munchausen Syndrome by Proxi. Preprints 2024, 2024110019. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0019.v1
Vlad, R. M.; Dobritoiu, R.; Turenschi, A.; Pacurar, D. Where Reality and Fantasy Collide – Prolonged Fever to Munchausen Syndrome by Proxi. Preprints2024, 2024110019. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0019.v1
APA Style
Vlad, R. M., Dobritoiu, R., Turenschi, A., & Pacurar, D. (2024). Where Reality and Fantasy Collide – Prolonged Fever to Munchausen Syndrome by Proxi. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0019.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Vlad, R. M., Alina Turenschi and Daniela Pacurar. 2024 "Where Reality and Fantasy Collide – Prolonged Fever to Munchausen Syndrome by Proxi" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0019.v1
Abstract
Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) or factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA) is a bizarre psychiatric entity, consisting in fabrication of symptoms and alteration of laboratory tests by a caregiver. It is considered a serious form of child abuse. Alarm signs are frequent medical visits, strange symptoms which are never objectified during hospitalization. 3 years 8 months old boy first presented to our department in October 2022 for prolonged fever. We ruled out infections, malignancies, autoimmune diseases. The patient kept coming back once every fortnight for the same reason – fever, every time associating something particular and new - from painful joints to hemorrhagic complaints. Interestingly, with every new visit, the patient’s medical history became more complex. The mother also developed an attachment relationship with the medical staff. During a 4 months period of repeated admissions, child’s symptoms were never objectified throughout hospitalization, never consistent with the declared symptoms and test results. When the physician’s attitude changed from empathic to distant, she never came back for check-ups. A pediatrician work largely depends on a good communication with the parents. When there is no medical explanation for declared symptoms, one might question the merit of the story. This case sets a bright light on how difficult the diagnosis and management of FDIA is and the severe consequences this disease has on a defenseless child.
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
