Entrance Surface Dose from Pediatric Diagnostic X-ray Examinations in a Developing World Setting: Are We ‘ALARA Principle Compliant.
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Date
2013-10
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Abstract
Background: Radiation protection in paediatric radiology requires special attention than
in adult because children are more sensitive to radiation and at higher risk. This risk is
explained by the longer life expectancy in children which allows for harmful effects of
radiation to manifest and their developing organs and tissues being more sensitive to
radiation. Hence, the need for determination of appropriate radiation dose for paediatric
patients.
Aims: To estimate entrance skin dose (ESD) received by paediatric patients during
diagnostic x-ray examinations.
Materials and Methods: A total of 253 paediatric patients undergoing various x-ray
examinations between June 2011 and December, 2012 in a teaching hospital in the
South West Nigeria were considered in this study. This hospital has no dedicated x-ray unit for paediatric radiology. The ESD received during x-ray examination was calculated
using mathematical formula that incorporated the use of x-ray beam output and exposure
parameters selected for the examination. Correlation coefficient (r) analysis was used to
test the relationship between ESD, patient size (age and weight) and exposure
parameters (kVp, mAs).
Results: The ESD and ED received by paediatric patients from all the x-ray
examinations considered in this study ranged from 10.29 ± 3.80 - 880.04 ± 89.44 μGy
and 1.44 ± 0.53 - 66.74 ± 30.84 μSv respectively. The correlation coefficient analysis at
0.01 level of significant showed that there is a correlation between patient dose and
exposure factors but there is no correlation between ESD, age and weight of patients.
Conclusion: The ESD received by paediatric patients is higher than the internationally
recommended reference dose. This is attributed to lack of dedicated x-ray unit and
personnel for paediatric radiology.
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Keywords
Paediatric, X-ray examinations, entrance skin dose, radiation protection
Citation
Atalabi Omolola M, BidemiI Akinlade, Adekanmi Ademola J, Samuel Olutayo A. Entrance Surface Dose from Pediatric Diagnostic X-ray Examinations in a Developing World Setting: Are We ‘ALARA Principle Compliant. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research. 2013 Oct-Dec; 3(4): 2288-2298.