[Chest computed tomography in children: indications, efficiency and effective dose]. / Tomodensitométrie thoracique chez l'enfant : un examen utile mais irradiant.

INTRODUCTION: New multidetector row computed tomography (CT) has made the imaging of younger children more feasible and extending CT indications to a wide range of pediatric respiratory diseases in the last few years. However, CT is a source of radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main indications and the contribution of chest CT in pediatric pulmonology as well as induced radiation. METHODS: This was an observational, prospective study. Children whose chest CTs were analyzed during multidisciplinary meetings (radiologist, pulmonary pediatrician) were included from November 2009 to April 2010. We collected demographic data, CT results, contribution of CT to diagnosis and management, and radiation doses (dose-length product [DLP] and effective dose). Radiation doses were compared according to the CT scans (Lille University Hospital with 128-slice dual-source CT or Lille University Hospital single-source 64-slice CT, or CT performed outside the university hospital). RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five patients were included. The mean age was 6.4 years old. The main indications were analysis of bronchial disease (44%), infectious disease (16%), interstitial disease (14%), or a malformation (9%). The aim of CT was diagnosis (61%) or follow-up of previous lung diseases (39%). Diagnosis chest-CT directly contributed to diagnosis in 48% of cases and to treatment in 24%. Follow-up CT contributed to diagnosis in 38% and treatment in 19% of cases. DLP and effective doses were significantly lower for CT performed in the university hospital, especially with the 128-slice CT compared to the others (P<0.001). The effective doses were: 128-slice CT, 0.61 mSv ± 0.32; 64-slice CT, 1.24 mSv ± 0.97; outside university hospital, 2.56 mSv ± 1.98. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the role played by chest CT in children, which contributes to diagnosis and management of lung diseases. The main concern of CT application, especially in children, is the radiation burden. Children are more susceptible to the effects of radiation than adults and have a longer life expectancy to develop complications. Both radiologists and pediatricians should be aware of a potential risk and have to conjugate their efforts in reducing this risk. The wide range of radiation doses in this study for the same CT procedures underlines the extensive efforts still needed to limit radiation exposure in children.

[Evaluation of ambulatory prescribing for community-acquired pneumonia in children]. / Évaluation des prescriptions dans la prise en charge des pneumonies aiguës communautaires de l'enfant.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how national recommendations for the treatment of acute community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are applied in children. METHODS: A phone survey was conducted in northern France. A standardized questionnaire was submitted to randomized general practitioners (GPs), private pediatricians, and pediatric fellows to analyze their practices for CAP in children. Diagnostic and treatment data were collected for the last child they had treated for CAP and for a factitious clinical case of CAP. Treatments, particularly prescribing antibiotics, were compared to the guidelines published in 2005 for lower respiratory tract infections, in order to determine the percentage of "good prescribers". RESULTS: A total of 101 physicians were involved: 77 senior physicians (62 GPs and 15 private pediatricians) and 24 pediatric fellows. For the last child treated for a CAP (mean age: 4.5 years±3.4), amoxicillin was prescribed in 29% of cases and associated (most of the time by GPs) with clavulanic acid in 54%. For the factitious clinical case (age: 3 years), amoxicillin alone was prescribed in 50% of cases and associated with clavulanic acid in 45%. Also considering recommended doses and length of treatment, the percentage of "good prescribers" for senior physicians for each situation was 15% and 16%, respectively, and for pediatric residents was 52% and 50%. CONCLUSION: Guidelines for CAP in children were insufficiently followed.