Publication:

Radiation exposure in neonatal intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital: a retrospective study

Background This is retrospective observational study with aims to determine the mean number of radiographs exposure of neonates during their stay in the NICU and to identify risk factors for higher radiation exposure.

Methods Total 1139 neonates were included in study. The following data were collected, birth weight, gestational age, risk factor, duration of stay, number and indication of radiograph and total radiation exposure. Radiograph was done by using Genuine TM portable X-ray machine. Each radiograph exposure accounts to 0.02 millisieverts (mSv) as per the manufacturer brochure. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS var 23, ANOVA test, unpaired t-test was applied to test significance and p value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results Total 1139 neonates were enrolled of which 624 (54.8%) were male babies. Mean number of radiographs for entire sample was 2.76 (radiation exposure 0.05 mSv) with standard deviation (SD) of 2.97 (0.06mSv). Newborns < 28 weeks of gestation are more exposed to radiation with mean radiation of 0.1mSv±0.1mSv. Study observed that there is significant negative correlation of birth weight (r=-0.277) and gestational Age (r=-0.345) to radiation exposure. This indicates babies with prematurity and low birth weight are more exposed to radiation.

Conclusions There is significant positive correlation between radiograph exposure and duration of stay (r=0.568) showing prolonged hospitalization causes more radiation exposure. Strategies to reduce radiation exposure, like using point-of-care ultrasound thus avoiding long term adverse effect. To know whether early radiation exposure may lead to adverse long-term consequences, follow-up study is necessary.