Assessing piglet model suitability for inflicted head injury by shaking trauma in infants

Abstract

This study investigates eye pressure variations within the eye between pigs and humans during an IHI-ST event, focusing on anatomical differences in orbital cavities. Eight anatomical differences were identified through literature research, with two deemed most relevant for pressure variation. Four orbits were created to combine eye orientation and orbital closure. Subsequently, handcrafted eye models were tested using a shaking simulator.
This research has led to the creation of a test setup capable of simulating the shaking motion of an IHI-ST event. Initial steps have been taken to investigate pressure buildup in the eye during these movements, yielding preliminary results on the effects of anatomical differences between the eyes of pigs and humans.

The results indicate that closed orbits exhibit higher relative eye pressure compared to open orbits. Additionally, higher eye pressures were observed in humans than in pig, in line with the expectations. This indicates that due to the anatomical differences between the eyes of pigs and humans, higher eye pressure occurs during shaking in humans compared to pigs. The results of this study thus suggest a cautious conclusion that pigs may not be suitable for research material in the context of IHI-ST. The study's limitations include the use of simplified eye models, which affect external validity, and the lack of factors such as neck stiffness.

Overall, this research lays the groundwork for future studies on intraocular pressure during shaking events, emphasizing the need for improved experimental designs and more accurate models to enhance understanding and clinical outcomes related to retinal haemorrhage.