Is There Over Use of Computed Tomography Scan in Paediatric Head Injury Patients?

Abstract

Introduction: Paediatric Computed Tomography (CT) utilisation has increased now-a-days; but its use comes with risks. The ionising radiation doses delivered by CT are much higher and are linked with cancer risks. Aim: This study was conducted to observe whether there is unnecessary use of CT scan in paediatric head injury patients. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study based on the CT brain reports of paediatric patients (less than 18 years age) of last three years from September 2014 to September 2017. Various particulars of the patients like age, sex etc. along with normal or any findings of CT reports were recorded, tabulated and statistically analysed. Results: Total of 1056 paediatric head injury patients, CT scan reports were collected and thoroughly reviewed. Among 1056 cases, 690 were male and 366 were female paediatric patients. It was found that 526 paediatric patients had normal CT head findings with percentage of 49.81%. Conclusion: Thus half of the head injury paediatric patients could be managed without CT scan exposure.

Keywords

• brain trauma
• children
• radiation exposure