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X-ray exposure in utero and school performance: a population-based study of X-ray pelvimetry
A C Nordenskjöld1, M Palme2, M Kaijser3
1Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences at Danderyds Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
In utero exposure to diagnostic X-ray pelvimetry did not negatively impact school performance in children. This study found no significant association between prenatal radiation exposure and academic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Pediatric health
- Radiology
Background:
- Prenatal exposure to diagnostic radiation is a concern for potential long-term health effects.
- Pelvimetry examinations using X-rays were historically performed during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between in utero exposure to ionizing radiation from pelvimetry and subsequent school performance.
- To determine if prenatal diagnostic X-ray exposure affects cognitive development and academic achievement.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study of 46,066 children born in Sweden between 1980-1990.
- Comparison of children exposed to X-ray pelvimetry in utero with unexposed children and their siblings.
- School grades, expressed in centiles, were used as the primary outcome measure, analyzed via linear regression.
Main Results:
- Univariate analysis indicated higher school grades in exposed children (3 centiles higher).
- Multivariate analysis, accounting for confounding factors, showed no statistically significant difference in school performance.
- Comparison with siblings revealed no significant difference in academic outcomes, regardless of analysis type.
Conclusions:
- No evidence suggests a negative impact on school performance from in utero exposure to diagnostic X-ray pelvimetry.
- Prenatal diagnostic X-ray examinations appear safe concerning children's academic achievement.
Aim:
To investigate the association between exposure to ionising radiation from pelvimetric examinations in utero and school performance.
Material And Methods:
This was a population-based cohort study comprising 46,066 children born in the county of Östergötland, Sweden, from 1980 through 1990. Through record linkage between Swedish registers, children exposed in utero to X-ray pelvimetry examination were compared to other children born in the same county during the study period, as well as to their unexposed siblings. Outcome variable was primary school grades, expressed in centiles and calculated through linear regression.
Results:
In the univariate analysis, children exposed to X-ray pelvimetry in utero had higher school grades compared to unexposed children (point estimate 3 centiles, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5 to 4.6). When sex, mother's education and income, birth order, and birth position were included in the analysis; however, the difference was reduced and the association was no longer statistically significant (PE 1.4, 95% CI: -0.1 to 2.8). Comparing exposed children with their siblings showed no statistical difference in univariate analysis or in multivariate analysis.
Conclusion:
No suggestion was found of a negative effect on school performance from in utero exposure of diagnostic X-ray pelvimetry.
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