Importance of Monitoring Radiation Dose in Pediatric Oncology Patients

This study examines the importance of monitoring the radiation dose given to pediatric oncology patients during CT procedures. It highlights the increased risk of radiation-related cancer in children and the need for monitoring CT radiation to reduce this risk.

RADIATION MONITORING IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY PATIENTS
The Importance of Monitoring the Radiation Dose to Oncology Pediatric Patients During
Computed Tomography (CT) Procedures
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RADIATION MONITORING IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY PATIENTS
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Abstract
Background
Use of CT scans has greatly improved diagnostic capabilities in healthcare. However,
they also pose health risk related to dosages of ionization radiation. As stated by (Miglioretti et
al, 2013, 2), ionization radiation associated with use of CT is about a hundred to five hundred
times higher than the typical radiography and has been associated with increased risk for cancer.
Children in particular, are more radio-sensitive as the radiation source is closer to the skin and
their bone layers which are thinner (Morgan, Kesari & Davis, 2014, 198). They also have a
longer life ahead of them, giving radiation-induced cancer has time to develop. Ogbole (2010,
122) adds that children under ten are highly sensitive to radiation than adults. With this in mind,
this study seeks to examine the importance of monitoring the radiation dose given to oncology
pediatric patients during CT procedures.
Methodology
The study employs a literature-based systematic review design that involves going
through previous studies that discuss the significance of monitoring radiation doses among
pediatric patients. Selection criteria includes studies within a ten-year range, that is from 2009 to
2019, that only discuss radiation monitoring among pediatric patients. These criteria were used
to ensure relevance of the study literature. The literature-based study was preferred as it allows
for production of an objective baseline against which future research can be assessed and
interventions modified (Mallet et al, 2012, 448).
Results

RADIATION MONITORING IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY PATIENTS
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This study revealed that pediatric oncology patients are more vulnerable to radiation
exposure as compared with adults. They are more likely to develop radiation related carcinomas,
therefore the need to monitor their exposure to CT radiation. The literature reveals increased risk
for brain tumors and leukemia in children to whom CT scans are administered. Therefore, the
most important reason for monitoring CT radiation in children is reducing risk for radiation
related cancer.
Implications of the study
By understanding the importance of monitoring radiation dosages in pediatric oncology
patients, medical professionals are able to apply this knowledge when administering CT to
children and reducing risk for cancer. Pediatric health care providers and physicians can now
understand the risks that are associated with radiation dosages in children, which enhances their
ability to provide quality care. In addition, this study serves as a reference material for future
research on radiation dosage monitoring in children.
conclusion
It is evident that pediatric oncology patients are at higher risk of CT-related cancers due
to the high radiation exposure. It is therefore the duty of the healthcare providers to share the
responsibility to minimize radiation exposure to children. Understanding the importance of
radiation monitoring not only increases their knowledge but also enhances quality care provision
by reducing exposure to unnecessary CT radiation. There is need for further research to come up
with specific guidelines on administration and regulation of radiation dosages for pediatric
oncology patients.

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References
Mallett, R., Hagen-Zanker, J., Slater, R., & Duvendack, M. (2012). The benefits and challenges of
using systematic reviews in international development research. Journal of Development
Effectiveness, 4(3), 445–455. http://doi.org/10.1080/19439342.2012.711342
Miglioretti, D. L., Johnson, E., Williams, A., Greenlee, R. T., Weinmann, S., Solberg, L. I., …
Smith-Bindman, R. (2013). The Use of Computed Tomography in Pediatrics and the Associated
Radiation Exposure and Estimated Cancer Risk. JAMA Pediatrics, 167(8), 700–707.
http://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.311
Morgan, L. L., Kesari, S., & Davis, D. L. (2014). Why children absorb more microwave radiation
than adults: The consequences. Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure, 2(4), 197–204.
http://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmau.2014.06.005
Ogbole, G. (2011). Radiation dose in paediatric computed tomography: risks and benefits. Annals of
Ibadan Postgraduate Medicine, 8(2), 118–126. http://doi.org/10.4314/aipm.v8i2.71823