AIM: To quantify the exposure of very low birthweight neonates to ionising radiation from diagnostic x-rays. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was made of all radiographs performed over 18 months in an integrated special care baby unit and regional neonatal surgical unit in a large teaching hospital of surviving inborn babies of very low birthweight (< 1500 g) admitted to the unit. RESULTS: Fifty five VLBW neonates were treated for a total of 3296 days and received 498 radiographs (median 5 per infant). The mean effective radiation dose was 0.04 mSv and the maximum for one infant was 0.54 mSv. CONCLUSIONS: The radiation burden in this group of neonates is low and the benefits of diagnostic radiographs far outweigh any potential radiation risks.
AIM: To quantify the exposure of very low birthweight neonates to ionising radiation from diagnostic x-rays. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was made of all radiographs performed over 18 months in an integrated special care baby unit and regional neonatal surgical unit in a large teaching hospital of surviving inborn babies of very low birthweight (< 1500 g) admitted to the unit. RESULTS: Fifty five VLBW neonates were treated for a total of 3296 days and received 498 radiographs (median 5 per infant). The mean effective radiation dose was 0.04 mSv and the maximum for one infant was 0.54 mSv. CONCLUSIONS: The radiation burden in this group of neonates is low and the benefits of diagnostic radiographs far outweigh any potential radiation risks.
Authors: Lucie M Turcotte; Michael K Georgieff; Julie A Ross; James H Feusner; Gail E Tomlinson; Marcio H Malogolowkin; Mark D Krailo; Nicole Miller; Rachel Fonstad; Logan G Spector Journal: Pediatr Blood Cancer Date: 2014-07-15 Impact factor: 3.167
Authors: P F Ravetto; R Agarwal; M L Chiswick; S W D'Souza; O B Eden; G M Taylor Journal: Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed Date: 2003-05 Impact factor: 5.747