Study Highlights Need for Lower Radiation Protocols in Children's Abdominal X-Rays
April 25, 2024
Researchers from UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Division of Pediatric Urology published findings from a new study assessing the actual radiation doses received by patients from abdominal x-rays as opposed to the estimated doses often calculated from machine settings.
The study was led by senior author and division clinical director, Rajeev Chaudhry, MD, who has a long-standing research interest in understanding radiation dosing from imaging studies in pediatric urology patients. The first author of the study was UPMC Department of Urology resident Christopher Staniorski, MD, along with contributions from Alyssa Paul of Butler University.
Study Overview and Findings
Published in the Journal of Pediatric Urology, the study monitored radiation exposure in children undergoing abdominal X-rays to evaluate bowel and bladder dysfunction. Dosimeters were strategically placed at the navel of 75 participants (ages ranging from 6 to 14) to accurately measure the entrance skin dose of radiation.
Dr. Chaudhry and colleagues’ study found significant discrepancies between the estimated radiation doses and the actual measurements, with the median measured dose being notably higher than expected.
This discrepancy between estimated and actual radiation dose was more pronounced in older and larger children, suggesting that standard imaging settings might not be suitable for all patients.
These findings support the necessity for more individualized radiographic settings based on patient characteristics, such as age and body mass index, to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.
The team’s study also advocates for standardized low-dose radiation protocols and restricting the imaging area to just the pelvis when feasible, to both ensure diagnostic efficacy and reduce radiation risks.
These recommendations could significantly impact current practices and clinical protocols to enhance patient safety and keep exposure to ionizing radiation in young patients to levels as low as possible.
Read the entire study, its methodology and findings using the reference link below.
Reference
Staniorski CJ, Paul A, Chaudhry R. Prospective Assessment of Entrance Skin Dose and Targets for Radiation Reduction During Abdominal Plain Films in Pediatric Urology Patients. J Pediatr Urol. 2024 Mar 1: S1477-51319924)00139-6. Online ahead o
