Children Are Frequently Exposed to Radiation from Diagnostic Imaging

In a cohort of insured children, nearly half received one or more studies in 3 years.

Imaging procedures have been used increasingly for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes despite the known risks for radiation exposure. To determine the frequency of radiology procedures (a surrogate for radiation exposure) in children, investigators retrospectively reviewed 3 years of insurance claims for 355,088 children (age, <18 years) enrolled in a nationwide healthcare organization in five major regional markets.

During the study period, 436,711 studies were performed in 150,930 children (45%); 25% of all children had two or more studies, and 16% had three or more. Boys had more studies than girls. Fluoroscopic procedures, although infrequent, were most common in younger children, and computed tomography (CT) scans were more common in o…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)