Lower radiation exposure from body CT imaging for trauma at a dedicated pediatric hospital.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2014

Identifier

PMID: 25487497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2014.09.035

Abstract

Purpose: We compare radiation exposure from body CT imaging for blunt trauma performed at outside hospitals (OH) versus our children's hospital (CH).

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all children transferred to our facility for management of trauma after undergoing a body CT scan at an OH from June 2011 to August 2013. Radiation from OH images was compared to our CH by matching to age, gender, and nearest date. Radiation measures included dose length product (DLP), computed tomography dose index (CTDI), and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE).

Results: Fifty-one children were transferred from 39 OH. Abdomen/pelvis and chest/abdomen/pelvis imaging was performed in 30 and 21 children, respectively. Demographics are shown in Table 1. Results are illustrated in Tables 2 and 3. Contrast was utilized in 45 (1 oral, 41 IV, 3 both) and 51 (49 IV, 2 both). CT scans were performed at OH and CH, respectively (P=0.03).

Conclusions: Children receive significantly less radiation exposure with body CT imaging for blunt trauma when performed at our dedicated CH. CT scans were significantly more likely to be ordered with appropriate contrast at our CH.

Journal Title

Journal of pediatric surgery

Volume

49

Issue

12

First Page

1843

Last Page

1845

MeSH Keywords

Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Contrast Media; Female; Hospitals; Hospitals, Pediatric; Humans; Male; Missouri; Radiation Dosage; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Wounds, Nonpenetrating

Keywords

CT scans; CAT scans; radiation exposure; trauma

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