Chinese mainland′s first case report of Munchausen syndrome by proxy in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

ABSTRACT

Clinical data of a case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The 4 years and 4 months old female patient presented with retrosternal and abdominal pain for 1 month, and aggravated with multi-organ pain for 20 days.She complained about the retrosternal pain with acid reflux, pain in the teeth, esophagus, and abdomen, etc.During the hospitalization, she frequently complained of multi-organ pain.Her mother repeatedly declared her painful hip joint and she often cried for pain at night, and even could not walk.However, the clinical examination showed no obvious abnormalities.Combining characteristics of the patient and her caregiver, the patient was confirmed as MSBP.It is suggested that MSBP in children should be concerned in cases with complicated severe chief complaints, frequent medical visits, and a strong willing to see a doctor or be hospitalized by their caregivers, but normal physical and auxiliary examination findings.