Justification and Optimization Principles of ALARA in Pediatric CT at a Teaching Hospital in Ethiopia

Background Radiation from CT (computerized tomography), poses risk of radiation associated cancer. Studies indicate a cumulative dose of 50mGy triples the risk of leukemia and a dose of 60mGy triples the risk of brain tumors in children. This study aimed to assess the application of “Justification and Optimization Principles of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)” in pediatric CT. Method A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to July 2018 G.C at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. CT request forms were reviewed. All pediatric patients listed for CT were included. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results Four hundred and twenty nine CT requests were reviewed, 246 (57.3%) were males and 183(42.7%) were females; 52(12.1%) were less than 1 year old, 153(35.7%) between 1 to 5 years, 113(26.3%) between 5 to 10 years and 111(25.8%) 10 to 14 years old. On the other hand, 28(6.5%) scan requests were rejected based on the ALARA justification principle, and from these, in 11(39.2%) MRI was recommended instead of CT, in 6(21.42%) US was recommended. Review of previous CT helped to reject 4(14.28%). Review of prior chest radiographs helped in rejecting 2(7.14%) requests. For 5(17.8%) and 19(4.4%), requests were optimized by applying principles of optimization to reduce received dose from CT. Conclusion Overall, 47(11%) patients were protected from unnecessary radiation exposure by applying the principles of ALARA. The use of other alternating imaging modalities is vital in pediatric patients who are more radiosensitive and have longer time to manifest radiation induced injury.