Elevated blood histamine caused by vaccinations and vitamin C deficiency may mimic the shaken baby syndrome

The findings of subdural hematoma and retinal hemorrhages in infants, without any documented history of major trauma, do not always indicate child abuse. A combination of ascorbate depletion and the injection of foreign proteins can cause a very high blood histamine level, leading to capillary fragility and venular bleeding. This can be prevented by the administration of vitamin C. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.