DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC CONSIDERATIONS OF X-RAY HAZARD AND PROTECTION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Radiologia Diagnostica (East Germany)

OSTI ID:4017143

Gefferth, K

It is possible that radiation injuries may result from pelvimetric x-ray examinations, but the evidence is not completely conclusive. The greatest radiation sensitivity occurs during the first 5 to 7 weeks of pregnancy, but the children of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that suffered the greatest radiation damage were subjected to the radiation from the atomic explosions during the first 7 to 15 weeks of pregnancy. Children who are injured by at least 175 r to the thymus are usually only 2 or 3 months older than those who are in utero, so that the difference may be due to differences in effects of total or fractionated exposure to radiation. Generally, older children are less sensitive to radiation than younger children, and their larger size permits more precise localization of the x radiation and may prevent exposure of as large a proportion of their bodies. Lung exposures at the clinic are made at 40 to 50 kv with 3 to 3.5 ma, and most studies are completed in 30 sec. In infants the gonad dose is approximates 3.2 mr, and in children, approximates 2.2 mr. For lung photography in infants at 50 kv at a distance of 1 m with a long tube, and the gonads shielded, the gonadal dose is 1.3 mr. Visualization of an organ should not take longer than 30 sec, with the iris opening as small as possible. Filtration should be at least 3 mm Al. When x-ray photographs are taken an image intensifier can reduce exposure tenfold. The decision to use x-ray treatment depends upon the nature of the disease to be treated. Malignant tumors are an absolute indication. It is optional for epilation in fungus infections, thymus hyperplasia with respiratory embarassment, bone cysts where surgery is inadvisable, postencephalitic conditions, or intractable bone pain during leukemia. Radiation should never be used for thymus enlargement without symptoms, asthmatic conditions, pertussis, or cosmetic defects. (BBB)

• Research Organization: University Childrens' Clinic, Budapest
• NSA Number: NSA-18-020263
• OSTI ID: 4017143
• Journal Information: Radiologia Diagnostica (East Germany), Journal Name: Radiologia Diagnostica (East Germany) Vol. Vol: 3; ISSN RDGNA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: German

Related Subjects

ACCIDENTS
AGE
ALUMINUM
BODY
BONES
DIAGNOSIS
DISEASES
ENCEPHALITIS
FETUSES
FILTERS
FUNGI
GONADS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
HIROSHIMA
INFECTIONS
JAPAN
LEUKEMIA
LUNGS
MAN
MEDICINE
NAGASAKI
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
PHOTOGRAPHY
PREGNANCY
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION INJURIES
RADIATION PROTECTION
SENSITIVITY
SHIELDING
SKIN
THYMUS
TUMORS
X RADIATION