BioSAVE: Biomechanics of Shaken Baby Syndrome towards Differential Diagnosis and Prevention

Abusive head trauma (AHT)/Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a leading cause of fatality in infants who experienced a non-accidental injury.

The diagnosis has challenged clinicians and forensic practitioners during the past 60-years, which often arouse heated debate and is ongoing today. This project aims at tackling the most urgent dilemmas surrounding SBS.

The first objective is to develop computational models of preterms/infants of different ages capturing fontanel/suture/brain details to study the biomechanical myths that have significant implications for SBS diagnosis.

Equally important, to establish the first differential diagnosis library with biomechanical evidence distinguishing injuries caused by shaking and birth/pathology. Further, an innovative product will be developed to prevent traumatic shaking and raise awareness of SBS.

Finally, the developed models will be used for safer birth by studying biomechanical insights and optimizing birth delivery instrument.

This project integrates infant/neonatal head injury Biomechanics, computer science, hardware development, and forensic practices, allowing SAVE the youngest members of our society via three different angles: New knowledge/tool to aid objective diagnosis of ATH/SBS; Prevention of traumatic shaking; Improved neonatal care.

The impact of the project goes well beyond by applying the refined models to more clinical challenges for improved neonatal care and to develop infant protection products in the future.