Introduction:
Radiation is the emission of uncoordinated alpha and gamma waves that are used for imaging purposes. These radiation waves emit high-frequency ionizing radiation that, when scattered, gets absorbed into the human body through tissues, bones, etc. The ionizing radiation is a proven factor to potentially cause carcinogenic side effects, and hence it is necessary to reduce the penetration of this radiation in kids. In the radiographic methods that are currently available in children, the most used methods are low tube voltage scans using infrared radiation techniques and computed tomography in children. Reducing these ionization dosages can be achieved by reducing the dosage, improving the image contrast, lowering the voltage of the X-ray tube, etc.
How Is the Radiation Dosage in Children Determined?
Reduction of dosage is a very important protocol to be followed, as it has a potential effect in affecting the bone marrow and the genetic coding of the children. The reduction in dosage is calculated considering the size and body surface of the kids along with the age and dosage.
What Are the Radiographic Techniques Used in Pediatrics?
Various imaging techniques are used in pediatric patients for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. Although there is a great awareness of limiting the usage of imaging techniques in children, in cases that do require imaging, it cannot be avoided. The purpose for which imaging techniques are used in pediatrics is often due to growth and development, trauma, infection, or tumors. The imaging techniques used in pediatric patients are as follows:
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Radiographic Imaging (X-Ray) - This is one of the most commonly preferred and used imaging techniques in both adult and pediatric patients. Radiographic Imaging uses ionizing radiation to capture the images, and hence mindful dose reduction is essential while doing the procedure. The dosage is kept in child dosage mode, which allows minimal exposure to radiation to the children. Radiographic images are used to capture images of bones, chest, and dental X-rays.
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Computed Tomography (CT) - Computed tomographic images are high-frequency radiographic imaging coordinated with computer technology. Computed tomographies are preferred in children as they are quicker and painless examinations. However, careful considerations are indicated in dosage reduction as computed tomographies have the potential nature to emit more radiation. It is often used in cases of trauma or pain.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Magnetic resonance Imaging is a three-dimensional imaging technique that uses high-intensity radiographic as well as magnetic waves to take images of the body. MRIs are often used in imaging soft tissues for analyzing the growth and development of the bones and organs, any anomalies, or detection of any tumors, trauma, or pathology caused by infectious diseases. However, MRI in children is often used after getting clearance for any history of allergy in general and to the dye contrast. Various types of MRI machines are also used to deal with children who cannot handle confined spaces.
What Are the Drawbacks of Radiation in Children?
The main factor considered a drawback for children exposed to excessive radiation is the deposition of ionization radiation. This happens when children and young adults are more prone to stochastic effects as they are in their growing phase. Where the stochastic effect is the biological effect of the body reacting to the radiation absorbed, these create potential complications like nausea, hair loss, vomiting, headache, skin burning and fever, etc. The radiation, when exposed chronically, tends to cause gene alterations and modify cell division.
How Is the Dosage Reduction in Children Seen Epidemiologically?
According to the studies conducted previously, in children undergoing CT (computed tomography) scans, a reduction in the dosage to pediatric limits reduced the risk of leukemia (blood cancer) and brain tumor in children. Although the data regarding the reversal of the damage done is not clear, there is evidence stating that reduced dosage causes decreased side effects in children globally.
What Are the Methods To Reduce Radiation Dosage?
The ways of reducing radiation dosage in children are achieved by following these protocols, and they are:
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Using Automatic Controls for Exposure of Radiation: Following automated controls in the exposure of radiation mechanically controls the heat, frequency, and ions emitted from the machine, preventing excessive radiation exposure. This method also allows customization for both pediatric and adult dosages.
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Reducing Tube Current: Reducing the tube current limits the heating of the tube, as a heated environment causes radiation moments of the radiation ions, so under controlled allowance of the current transmitted, this is a controlled emission, preventing increased dosage transmission.
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Low Tube Voltage Scans: The best advantage of practicing this technique is achieved by reducing the voltage of the tube up to 80 kV (kilo voltage peak). Lowering the voltage of the tube reduces the dosage of ionization radiation, limiting the transmission of excess radiation in pediatric patients.
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Iterative Reconstruction: This is a method done by an algorithmic method that uses geometric and statistical methods for processing the image; this also reduces the noise in the imaging but retains the quality of the image.
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High-Pitch Acquisition: High-pitch acquisition technique is also known as a flash spiral method, where the newer scanning technique uses a pitch of more than 3.2 to get the image by combining a speed of 458 mm/s and a resolution of 75 ms. As this uses a high-frequency method, the time consumption taken for undergoing this procedure is considerably less, ranging up to 0.49 seconds. This enables the practitioner to perform routine pediatric scans without any hazardous side effects.
Reduction in the contrast medium also decreases the absorption of the radiation into the tissues making it highly beneficial.
What Are the Benefits of Radiation Dosage?
The outcome of many investigations has proven that the reduction in radiation dosage has potentially shown benefits, thus aiding in the prevention of carcinogenic attributes in the future. This can be achieved by following the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) protocols. The factors that are beneficial to reducing the dosage are:
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Less harm to the tissues of the pediatric patients.
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Prevents genetic alterations.
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Prevents conditions like leukemia and sensitization of the bone marrow, brain, and bone tumors.
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Increases the lifespan of the children.
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Does not affect the immunity levels of the children.
Conclusion:
As the occurrence of cancers is the most prevailing condition in today’s world, all of us are aware that radiation is the key factor causing it. So prevention and careful consideration in the reduction of radiation dosage, mainly in children, is very important. As pediatric patients are more sensitive to radiation dosage intake, it is necessary for the technician to be aware of the outcome and to reduce the load. Delaying the appointments for radiation one after the other also potentially has a less ionization load and favorable health outcomes in pediatric patients.
