IONIZING-RADIATION FROM DIAGNOSTIC X-RAYS IN VERY-LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT BABIES

Aim-To quantify the exposure of very low birthweight neonates to ionis ing radiation from diagnostic x-rays. Methods-Retrospective analysis w as made of all radiographs performed over 18 months in an integrated s pecial care baby unit and regional neonatal surgical unit in a large t eaching hospital of surviving inborn babies of very low birthweight (< 1500 g) admitted to the unit. Results-Fifty five VLBW neonates were tr eated 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 ma ximum for one infant was 0.54 mSv. Conclusions-The radiation burden in this group of neonates is low and the benefits of diagnostic radiogra phs far outweigh any potential radiation risks.