PEDIATRIC RADIATION DOSE DURING CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION PROCEDURES IN SUDAN

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Radiological Protection

Background:

• Children exhibit heightened sensitivity to ionizing radiation compared to adults.
• Cardiac catheterization procedures in pediatric patients necessitate careful evaluation of radiation exposure.
• Assessing radiation doses and associated risks is crucial for safeguarding young patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate radiation doses and associated hazards in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.
• To analyze radiation exposure parameters in relation to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• To determine effective doses and lifetime attributable risks for stochastic effects in different pediatric age groups.

Main Methods:

• Radiation doses were estimated for 112 pediatric patients at Sudan's largest cardiac center.
• Key parameters including dose-area product (KAP), dose-length product (CK), number of frames, and fluoroscopy time were recorded.
• Effective doses and lifetime attributable risks were calculated using the multiplicative model of ICRP 60 for various age intervals.

Main Results:

• Median KAP values were 4.6 Gy cm² for diagnostic and 6.0 Gy cm² for therapeutic procedures.
• Median effective doses varied across age groups, with the 10-15 years group showing the highest at 5.1 mSv (though the youngest group had the lowest KAP).
• The mean attributable lifetime risk for stochastic effects was 0.08% for girls and 0.05% for boys.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric cardiac catheterization involves significant radiation exposure, with doses varying by procedure type and age.
• Older children (10-15 years) received higher radiation doses, but the youngest (<1 year) had the lowest effective dose despite higher KAP/procedure.
• Enhanced staff training on radiation protection is essential to mitigate risks for pediatric patients undergoing these procedures.