Significant Decrease in the Use of CT Scans for Common Health Problems in Children's Hospitals

Results of a study show a significant decrease in number of Computed Tomography (CT) exams performed at 33 children’s hospitals in the US between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2012.

The study investigated the use of CT for diagnoses of 10 common childhood conditions such as concussion, seizure, upper respiratory tract infection, and appendectomy. The researchers of the study entitled “Computed Tomography and Shifts to Alternate Imaging Modalities in Hospitalized Children,” found that clinicians switched to alternative imaging modalities such as ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for eight of the 10 childhood conditions.

The researchers led by Michelle Parker, MD, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (Cincinnati, OH, USA) suggest the reduction in CT scans could be a result of the adoption of electronic health records that facilitates sharing of medical data and images and can prevent unnecessary duplicate scans combined with mounting evidence that links ionizing radiation from CT scans to an increase in the risk of cancer. CT scans expose patients to up to 1,000 times more radiation than a simple X-Ray exam.

Michelle Parker, said, "This study reinforces the pediatric community’s commitment to think about both immediate and long term risks and benefits of our treatment. Minimizing potential for harm to our patients as we work to heal them should always remain a priority. There may still be times when a CT scan is the most appropriate imaging tool to use, however parents should be encouraged by this study which shows that physicians and hospitals are likely incorporating new evidence and adapting to provide safe medical care.”

The study was published online, on August 24, 2015, in the journal Pediatrics.

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Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center