EVALUATION OF RADIATION DOSE IN PEDIATRICS UNDERGOING BRAIN CT AT SOKOTO ADVANCED MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE SOKOTO

Abstract

Background of the Study: Computed Tomography (CT) is a critical imaging modality in pediatric emergency care due to its speed and diagnostic accuracy. However, pediatric patients are more sensitive to ionizing radiation, and repeated exposure can increase the risk of long-term health effects such as cancer. Despite global efforts to establish Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs), Sokoto State Advanced Medical Diagnostic Centre lacks documented local DRLs for pediatric brain CT scans. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the radiation dose received by pediatric patients undergoing brain CT at Sokoto State Advanced Medical Diagnostic Centre, and (2) compare these doses with established national and international DRLs. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 150 pediatric head CT examinations performed between January and October 2025. Patients were grouped into four age categories: 1–4, 5–9, 10–14, and 15–18 years. CT acquisition parameters including tube potential, tube current, slice thickness, scanning technique, CTDIvol, and DLP were assessed. Local Diagnostic Reference Levels (LDRLs) were calculated based on the 50% and 75% medians of CTDIvol and DLP distributions. Results: CTDIvol and DLP values increased progressively with age. Median CTDIvol ranged from 25.70mGy (1–4 years) to 45.72mGy (15–18 years), while median DLP ranged from 450.45 to 675.93mGy·cm. Comparative analysis with studies from Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Switzerland showed that dose levels at SSAMDC are within international ranges but slightly higher in older age groups. Conclusion: The study successfully established LDRLs for pediatric brain CT at SSAMDC, providing a foundation for dose optimization. While current practices align with global standards, further protocol refinement is recommended to enhance radiation safety. These findings support the development of localized DRLs and underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and training in pediatric radiology. Keyword: Brain, pediatric, Computed tomography and radiation dose parameters