Ionising radiation from diagnostic x rays in very low birthweight babies

Abstract

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.