Related Experiment Videos
The risk of X-ray examinations of the lungs in neonates
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark.
Insights
Neonatal lung X-rays are crucial for assessing infant respiratory function. Radiation risks are minimal, with excess cancer mortality estimated at 5-11 per million per millisievert, even with updated risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Radiology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- X-ray imaging is vital for evaluating neonate respiratory function.
- Frequent X-ray examinations are often required for premature infants based on clinical needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the radiation dose and associated risks from lung X-ray examinations in neonates.
- To calculate the risk-weighted whole-body radiation dose per examination.
Main Methods:
- Radiation dose was measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters on 18 infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- Organ-specific doses were estimated, and a risk-weighted whole-body dose was calculated.
Main Results:
- The average radiation dose was calculated at 40 microsievert per examination (anterior-posterior and lateral views).
- Using current risk factors, this translates to an excess cancer mortality risk of 5 x 10(-5) for boys and 11 x 10(-5) for girls per millisievert.
Conclusions:
- The radiation risk from repeated chest X-rays in premature infants is very low.
- The diagnostic benefits of these examinations outweigh the minimal radiation risks.
Abstract:
X-ray examinations of the lungs is an important element in the evaluation of the neonates and their respiratory function. It is often necessary to perform a large number of X-ray examinations depending upon the infant's birthweight, gestational age and respiratory problems. To estimate the risk of X-ray examinations of the lungs the radiation dose to 18 infants at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Hvidovre Hospital, was measured by means of a thermoluminescent dosimeter placed on the nipple of the infant. The radiation dose to various organs was estimated and the risk weighted whole body radiation dose calculated to 40 microsievert per examination (AP- and lateral). Using the latest increased risk factors this means an excess cancer mortality of 5 x 10(-5) for boys and 11 x 10(-5) for girls per millisievert, corresponding to 25 X-ray examinations (AP- and lateral) of the lungs. It is concluded, that even using the latest increased risk factors, the radiation risk of repeated X-ray examinations of the chest in prematures will be very low considering the benefit for the infant.