Howard A, West RM, Iball G, Panteli M, Baskshi MS, Pandit H, Giannoudis PV. Should Radiation Exposure be an Issue of Concern in Children With Multiple Trauma?
Ann Surg 2022;
275:596-601. [PMID:
32740254 DOI:
10.1097/sla.0000000000004204]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were 3-fold: first, establish the level of radiation exposure experienced by the pediatric trauma patients; second, model the level of risk of developing fatal carcinogenesis; and third, test whether pattern of injury was predictive of the level of exposure.
SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA
There are certain conditions that cause children to be exposed to increased radiation, that is, scoliosis, where level of radiation exposure is known. The extent that children are exposed to radiation in the context of multiple traumas remains unclear.
METHODS
Patients below the age of 16 years and with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥10, treated by a Major Trauma Center for the period January 2008 to December 2018 were identified. The following data were extracted for the year following the patient's injury: number, doses, and type of radiological examination.The sex and age of the patient was taken into account in the calculation of the risk of developing a carcinogenesis.
RESULTS
The median radiation dose of the 425 patients identified in the 12 months following injury, through both CT and radiographs, was 24.3 mSv. Modeling the predictive value of pattern of injury and other relevant clinical values, ISS was proportionately predictive of cumulative dose received.
CONCLUSION
A proportion of younger polytrauma patients were exposed to high levels of radiation that in turn mean an increased risk of carcinogenesis. However, the ISS, age, injury pattern, and length of hospital stay are predictive of both risks, enabling monitoring and patient advisement of the risks.
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