Allegations of inflicted injuries in children: is Omeprazole the new EDS? Dark corners of medicine, science, the unknown unknowns and the wider canvas

Tina Cook KC, 42 Bedford Row

This article considers the importance of medical and genetic research in shining light into possible causes of fractured bones in suspected non accidental injury allegation cases. The evolution of medical science has meant that injuries which were previously unexplained or found to be inflicted may now be explained by research which suggests an association between the administration of particular medicines or genetic components with fracture. In particular, it considers Omeprazole which is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This medicine is often prescribed to children and babies who suffer from GOR (gastro oesophageal reflux). The landscape has changed because of at least three significant research papers and a number of cases where the research has been considered. Although not applicable to all cases, with certain fractures and usually in single issue cases it may provide an answer. 

Read the full article here.