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Age-specific DRLs for pediatric brain CT: A review for exploring the practices in Saudi Arabia
Lama Mukhled Aljuaid1, Sarah Faiz Althobaiti1, Asmaa Abdullah Althobaiti1
1Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for pediatric brain CT in Saudi Arabia reveals significant variations compared to other nations. Standardizing age-specific DRLs is crucial for optimizing radiation doses and enhancing patient safety in pediatric imaging.
Area of Science:
- Radiological Sciences
- Medical Physics
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) are essential for radiation dose optimization in medical imaging.
- Pediatric brain CT examinations require specific DRLs due to age-related anatomical and physiological differences.
- Variations in DRLs can exist between different countries and regulatory bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and review diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for pediatric brain computed tomography (CT) in Saudi Arabia.
- To compare these DRLs with those from nine other countries.
- To highlight the importance of age-specific DRLs for optimizing radiation doses in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases.
- Included 9 studies investigating DRLs using patient-based and phantom-based methods.
- Analyzed CT dose index (CTDI) and dose length product (DLP) values, comparing age group classifications.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in CTDI (mGy) and DLP (mGy·cm) values were observed between Saudi Arabia and other countries.
- The Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) age classifications differed from those in the reviewed literature.
- Specific SFDA DRLs for 0-5 years: CTDI 28 mGy, DLP 482 mGy·cm; for 6-15 years: CTDI 42 mGy, DLP 697 mGy·cm.
Conclusions:
- Standardizing age-specific DRLs for pediatric brain CT is vital for radiation dose optimization and patient safety.
- Adopting globally accepted standards and further research into DRL variations are recommended.
- Addressing limitations such as varying age groupings and literature access is necessary for improved patient care.
Abstract:
This review explores the establishment of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for pediatric brain computed tomography (CT) examinations in Saudi Arabia and compares them with nine other countries. An extensive search strategy was employed across various databases, resulting in the inclusion of 9 studies. The studies included patient-based and phantom-based investigations into DRLs, highlighting variations across age groups and countries. Findings suggest notable differences in CT dose index (CTDI mGy) and dose length product (DLP mGy.cm) values. There was a difference in the classification of age group between Saudi food and drug administration (SFDA) and literature. For the age groups 0-5 years and 6-15 years, the DRLs for the SFDA were as follows: CTDI (28 and 42 mGy) and DLP (482 and 697 mGy cm). The discussion emphasizes the importance of age-specific DRLs to optimize radiation doses while ensuring patient safety and diagnostic efficacy. Recommendations include adopting globally accepted standards for dose optimization and continued research into factors influencing DRL variations. Limitations include varying age groupings among studies and limited access to some relevant literature. Overall, this study underscores the importance of standardizing DRLs for pediatric CT to improve patient care and safety.
