Health related quality of life during dialysis modality transitions: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Modality transitions represent a period of significant change that can impact health related quality of life (HRQoL). We explored the HRQoL of adults transitioning to new or different dialysis modalities. METHODS: We recruited eligible adults (≥ 18) transitioning to dialysis from pre-dialysis or undertaking a dialysis modality change between July and September 2017. Nineteen participants (9 incident and 10 prevalent dialysis patients) completed the KDQOL-36 survey at time of transition and three months later. Fifteen participants undertook a semi-structured interview at three months. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: Four themes and five sub-themes were identified: adapting to new circumstances (tackling change, accepting change), adjusting together, trading off, and challenges of chronicity (the impact of dialysis, living with a complex disease, planning with uncertainty). From the first day of dialysis treatment to the third month on a new dialysis therapy, all five HRQoL domains from the KDQOL-36 (symptoms, effects, burden, overall PCS, and overall MCS) improved in our sample (i.e., those who remained on the modality). CONCLUSIONS: Dialysis transitions negatively impact the HRQoL of people with kidney disease in various ways. Future work should focus on how to best support people during this time.

In-center nocturnal hemodialysis improves health-related quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Conventional in-center hemodialysis (HD) is associated with significant symptom burden and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The HRQOL effects of conversion to in-center nocturnal hemodialysis (INHD) remain unclear, especially amongst those with poor HRQOL. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of HD patients converting to INHD. Linear regression models summarized the mean score at baseline and at 12 months for the cohort. To assess whether patients with low baseline HRQOL derive greater benefit, we compared values before and after by levels of baseline score for each domain (below vs equal to or above the median) using a formal interaction test (t test). RESULTS: 36 patients started INHD, 7 withdrew (5 transplanted, 1 death, 1 moved) and 5 declined follow-up. After 12 months the mental component score (MCS) increased by 7.1 points to a value of 51.0 (95% CI + 1.5 to 10.9, p = 0.01). Amongst patients with baseline scores below the median, improvements were seen in: Symptoms/Problems of Kidney Disease (+ 15.2, 95% CI + 5.5 to + 24.9, p = 0.003), Effects of Kidney Disease (+ 16.9, 95% CI + 2.2 to + 31.7, p = 0.026), Physical Component Score (+ 9.4, 95% CI + 1.69 to + 17.2, p = 0.018), MCS (+ 10.7, 95% CI + 2.4 to + 19.1, p = 0.013). Burden of Kidney Disease domain change was not significant (+ 15.1, 95% CI - 2.1 to + 32.3, p = 0.083). DISCUSSION: INHD is a potential intervention for HD patients who struggle with reduced HRQOL, especially for those who struggle with poor mental health. Medical benefits of reduced pill burden and improved phosphate control occur with transition to INHD.

The Influence of Age on the Likelihood of Catheter-Free Fistula Use in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend arteriovenous fistulas as the preferred form of vascular access for hemodialysis. However, some studies have suggested that older age is associated with poorer fistula outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the impact of age on the outcomes of fistula creation and access-related procedures. DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study using data collected as part of the Dialysis Measurement Analysis and Reporting (DMAR) system. SETTING: Participating Canadian dialysis programs, including Southern Alberta Renal Program, Manitoba Renal Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Toronto, Ontario), London Health Sciences Centre (London, Ontario), and The Ottawa Hospital (Ottawa, Ontario). PATIENTS: Incident hemodialysis patients aged 18 years and older who started dialysis between January 1, 2004, and May 31, 2012. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the proportion of all first fistula attempts that resulted in catheter-free fistula use, defined as independent use of a fistula for hemodialysis (ie, no catheter in place). Secondary outcomes included the time to catheter-free fistula use among patients with a fistula creation attempt, total number of days of catheter-free fistula use, and the proportion of a patient's hemodialysis career spent with an independently functioning fistula (ie, catheter-free fistula use). METHODS: We compared patient characteristics by age group, using t tests or Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and chi-square or Fisher exact tests, as appropriate. Logistic and fractional logistic regression were used to estimate the odds of achieving catheter-free fistula use by age group and the proportion of dialysis time spent catheter-free, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 1091 patients met our inclusion criteria (567 age ≥ 65; 524 age < 65). Only 57% of first fistula attempts resulted in catheter-free fistula use irrespective of age (adjusted odds ratio [OR]≥65vs<65: 1.01; P = .93). The median time from hemodialysis start to catheter-free use of the first fistula did not differ by age when grouped into fistulas attempted pre- and post-dialysis initiation. The adjusted rates of access-related procedures were comparable (incidence rate ratio [IRR]≥65vs<65: 0.95; P = .32). The median percentage of follow-up time spent catheter-free was similar and low in patients who attempted fistulas (<65 years: 19% vs ≥65 years: 21%; P = .85). LIMITATIONS: The relatively short follow-up time may have underestimated the benefits of fistula creation and the observational study design precludes inferences about causality. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, older patients who underwent a fistula attempt were just as likely as younger patients to achieve catheter-free fistula use, within a similar time frame, and while requiring a similar number of access procedures. However, the minority of dialysis time was spent catheter-free.

CONTEXTE: Les lignes directrices cliniques recommandent de privilégier la fistule artérioveineuse comme accès vasculaire pour l'hémodialyse. Certaines études suggèrent toutefois que les résultats seraient moins bons chez les patients âgés. OBJECTIF: Nous avons examiné l'effet de l'âge du patient sur l'issue de la création d'une fistule et sur les procédures liées à l'accès. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Il s'agit d'une étude de cohorte prospective utilisant les données colligées par le système DMAR (Dialysis Measurement Analysis and Reporting). CADRE: Les programmes de dialyse canadiens participants, soit le Southern Alberta Renal Program, le Manitoba Renal Program, le Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Toronto, Ontario), le London Health Sciences Centre (London, Ontario), et l'hôpital d'Ottawa (Ottawa, Ontario). SUJETS: Les patients adultes incidents ayant amorcé une hémodialyse entre le 1er janvier 2004 et le 31 mai 2012. MESURES: La principale mesure était la proportion de premières fistules créées ayant mené à une utilisation sans cathéter, soit à un usage indépendant pour l'hémodialyse. Les mesures secondaires incluaient le temps écoulé jusqu'à l'utilisation d'une fistule sans cathéter pour les patients ayant subi une première tentative, le nombre total de jours d'utilisation d'une fistule sans cathéter, et la proportion du temps de dialyse passé avec une fistule indépendante fonctionnelle (sans cathéter). MÉTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons comparé les caractéristiques des patients par groupe d'âge à l'aide de tests t ou de tests de somme des rangs de Wilcoxon, et de tests chi-deux ou de tests exacts de probabilité de Fisher, selon le cas. Une régression logistique et une régression logistique fractionnée ont été employées pour estimer respectivement, selon le groupe d'âge, les chances d'utiliser une fistule sans cathéter et la proportion du temps de dialyse passé sans cathéter. RÉSULTATS: Au total, 1 091 patients satisfaisaient nos critères d'inclusion (n=567 [≥65 ans]; n=524 [<65 ans]). Seulement 57 % des premières tentatives de création d'une fistule ont mené à une utilisation sans cathéter, indépendamment de l'âge (rapport de cote corrigé [RC]≥65contre<65: 1,01; p=0,93). Le temps médian jusqu'à l'utilisation sans cathéter de la première fistule créée n'a pas varié en fonction de l'âge lorsque les patients ont été groupés selon que la fistule avait été créée avant ou après l'amorce de la dialyse. Les taux corrigés de procédures liées à l'accès vasculaire étaient similaires (rapport des taux d'incidence [RTI]≥65contre<65 0,95; p=0,32); tout comme le pourcentage médian de temps de dialyse passé sans cathéter qui s'est avéré faible pour tous les patients (19 % [<65 ans] contre 21 % [≥65 ans]; p=0,85). LIMITES: La période de suivi relativement courte pourrait avoir sous-estimé les avantages de créer une fistule, et la nature observationnelle de l'étude ne permet pas de tirer de conclusions sur la causalité. CONCLUSION: Selon notre étude, les patients âgés avaient autant de chance que les plus jeunes d'utiliser la fistule sans cathéter, et ce, dans un délai semblable et avec sensiblement le même nombre de procédures liées à l'accès vasculaire. Néanmoins, la proportion du temps de dialyse passé sans cathéter était faible.

Direction of the Biopsy Needle in Ultrasound-Guided Renal Biopsy Impacts Specimen Adequacy and Risk of Bleeding.

INTRODUCTION: Although medical factors such as hypertension and coagulopathy have been identified that are associated with hemorrhage after renal biopsy, little is known about the role of technical factors. The purpose of our study was to examine the effects of biopsy needle direction on renal biopsy specimen adequacy and bleeding complications. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-two patients who had undergone ultrasound-guided renal biopsies were included. A printout of the ultrasound picture taken at the time of the biopsy was used to measure the biopsy angle ("angle of attack" [AOA]) and to determine if the biopsy needle was aimed at the upper or lower pole and if the medulla was targeted or avoided. RESULTS: Of the 3 groups of biopsy angle, an AOA of between 50°-70° yielded the most glomeruli per core (P = .001) and the fewest inadequate specimens (4% vs 15% for > 70°, and 9% for < 50°, P = .038). Biopsy directed at a pole vs an interpolar region resulted in fewer inadequate specimens (8% vs 23%, P = .005), while biopsies that were medulla-avoiding resulted in fewer inadequate specimens (5% vs 16%, P = .004) and markedly reduced bleeding complications (12% vs 46%, P < .001) compared to biopsies where the medulla was entered. DISCUSSION: An AOA of approximately 60°, aiming at the poles, and avoiding the medulla were each associated with fewer inadequate biopsies and bleeding complications. While biopsy of the medulla is necessary for some diagnoses, the increased bleeding risk emphasizes the need for communication between nephrologist, pathologist, and radiologist.

Vascular Access Practice Patterns in Canada: A National Survey.

BACKGROUND: One of the mandates of the Canadian Society of Nephrology's (CSN) Vascular Access Working Group (VAWG) is to inform the nephrology community of the current status of vascular access (VA) practice within Canada. To better understand VA practice patterns across Canada, the CSN VAWG conducted a national survey. OBJECTIVES: (1) To inform on VA practice patterns, including fistula creation and maintenance, within Canada. (2) To determine the degree of consensus among Canadian clinicians regarding patient suitability for fistula creation and to assess barriers to and facilitators of fistula creation in Canada. DESIGN: Development and implementation of a survey. SETTING: Community and academic VA programs. PARTICIPANTS: Nephrologists, surgeons, and nurses who are involved in VA programs across Canada. MEASUREMENTS: Practice patterns regarding access creation and maintenance, including indications and contraindications to fistula creation, as well as program-wide facilitators of and barriers to VA. METHODS: A small group of CSN VAWG members determined the scope and created several VA questions which were then reviewed by 5 additional VAWG members (4 nephrologists and 1 VA nurse) to ensure that questions were clear and relevant. The survey was then tested by the remaining members of the VAWG and refinements were made. The final survey version was submitted electronically to relevant clinicians (nephrologists, surgeons, and nurses) involved or interested in VA across Canada. Questions centered around 4 major themes: (1) Practice patterns regarding access creation (preoperative assessment and maturation assessment), (2) Practice patterns regarding access maintenance (surveillance and salvage), (3) Indications and contraindications for arteriovenous (AV) access creation, and (4) Facilitators of and barriers to fistula creation and utilization. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent (84 of 102) of invited participants completed the survey; the majority were nurses or VA coordinators (55%) with the remainder consisting of nephrologists (21%) and surgeons (20%). Variation in practice was noted in utility of preoperative Doppler ultrasound, interventions to assist nonmaturing fistulas, and procedures to salvage failing or thrombosed AV-access. Little consensus was seen regarding potential contraindications to AV-access creation (with the exception of limited life expectancy and poor vasculature on preoperative imaging, which had high agreement). Frequent barriers to fistula utilization were primary failure (77% of respondents) and long maturation times (73%). Respondents from centers with low fistula prevalence also cited long surgical wait times as an important barrier to fistula creation, whereas those from centers with high fistula prevalence cited access to multidisciplinary teams and interventional radiology as keys to successful fistula creation and utilization. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variation in VA practice across Canada and little consensus among Canadian clinicians regarding contraindications to fistula creation. Further high-quality studies are needed with regard to appropriate fistula placement to help guide clinical practice.

CONTEXTE: L'un des mandats du Groupe de travail en accès vasculaire (GTAV) de la Société canadienne de néphrologie consiste à informer la communauté en néphrologie des schémas de pratique actuels en accès vasculaire au Canada. Le GTAV a mené un sondage pancanadien pour mieux comprendre les schémas de pratique existants au pays en matière d'accès vasculaire. OBJECTIFS: (1) Informer la communauté des schémas de pratique canadiens (notamment en ce qui a trait à la création et au maintien fistulaire). (2) Déterminer le niveau de consensus parmi les cliniciens canadiens concernant l'admissibilité d'un patient à la création d'une fistule et les facteurs facilitant ou entravant la procédure. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Il s'agit de la conception et de la réalisation d'un sondage. CADRE DE L'ÉTUDE: Programmes d'accès vasculaire en milieu universitaire ou communautaire. PARTICIPANTS: Ont été invités à participer néphrologues, chirurgiens et membres du personnel infirmier intervenant dans un programme d'accès vasculaire canadien. MESURES: Nous avons sondé les participants à propos de leur schéma de pratique concernant la création et l'entretien fistulaire, notamment les indications et contre-indications à la création d'une fistule, ainsi que des facteurs facilitant ou entravant la procédure dans leur milieu de pratique. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Quelques membres du GTAV ont défini le cadre du sondage et ont rédigé une série de questions. Cinq autres membres du GTAV (quatre néphrologues et un membre du personnel infirmier en accès vasculaire) ont ensuite validé la clarté et la pertinence des questions soumises. Finalement, le sondage a été testé auprès des autres membres du GTAV pour y apporter des ajustements. La version définitive du sondage a été envoyée électroniquement à des cliniciens (néphrologues, chirurgiens et membres du personnel infirmier) canadiens intervenant en accès vasculaire ou qui s'y intéressent. Les questions abordaient quatre thèmes : i) les schémas de pratique en création fistulaire (évaluation préopératoire, évaluation de la maturation fistulaire); ii) les schémas de pratique en entretien fistulaire (surveillance et rétablissement de l'accès vasculaire); iii) les indications et contre-indications à la création d'une fistule artérioveineuse; iv) les facteurs facilitant et entravant la création fistulaire et son utilisation. RÉSULTATS: Des 102 personnes invitées à participer au sondage, 84 (82 %) ont répondu au questionnaire. La majorité (55 %) était constituée de membres du personnel infirmier et de coordonnateurs en accès vasculaire. La différence se composait essentiellement de néphrologues (21 %) et de chirurgiens (20 %). On a noté une variabilité des habitudes de pratique quant au recours à une échographie Doppler en préopératoire, aux interventions en cas de fistules non formées et aux procédures de rétablissement d'un accès artériovasculaire défaillant ou thrombosé. Il n'existe pas de consensus sur les éventuelles contre-indications à la création d'un accès artériovasculaire, à l'exception de deux points : une espérance de vie limitée et une structure vasculaire faible (révélée par imagerie préopératoire). La défaillance primitive et un long délai de maturation ont été cernés comme obstacles au recours à la fistule par une majorité de répondants (77 % et 73 %, respectivement). Les répondants de centres où l'on pratique peu d'interventions fistulaires ont mentionné les longs délais d'attente préopératoire comme entrave; les répondants de centres où l'on pratique fréquemment l'intervention fistulaire ont quant à eux souligné deux facteurs facilitant la création fistulaire et son utilisation : l'accès à des équipes multidisciplinaires et à la radiologie interventionnelle. CONCLUSION: Au Canada, les schémas de pratique clinique en accès vasculaire varient fortement, et les indications et contre-indications à la création fistulaire ne font pas consensus au sein des cliniciens. D'autres études rigoureuses sur les conditions adéquates pour la pratique d'une intervention fistulaire sont nécessaires afin d'orienter la pratique clinique.

Central venous catheters for chronic hemodialysis: Is "last choice" never the "right choice"?

Since the publication of the first vascular access clinical practice guidelines in 1997, the global nephrology community has dedicated significant time and resources toward increasing the prevalence of arteriovenous fistulas and decreasing the prevalence of central venous catheters for hemodialysis. These efforts have been bolstered by observational studies showing an association between catheter use and increased patient morbidity and mortality. To date, however, no randomized comparisons of the outcomes of different forms of vascular access have been conducted. There is mounting evidence that much of the difference in patient outcomes may be explained by patient factors, rather than choice of vascular access. Some have called into question the appropriateness of fistula creation for certain patient populations, such as those with limited life expectancy and those at high risk of fistula-related complications. In this review, we explore the extent to which catheters and fistulas exhibit the characteristics of the "ideal" vascular access and highlight the significant knowledge gaps that exist in the current literature. Further studies, ideally randomized comparisons of different forms of vascular access, are required to better inform shared decision making.

Advanced age is not a barrier to creating a functional arteriovenous fistula: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the recommended form of vascular access for hemodialysis. However, controversy exists regarding whether AVFs are suitable for elderly patients. METHODS: Single-center retrospective review to investigate the impact of age on AVF outcomes. Five hundred and twenty-five patients with AVF creation were stratified based on age <65, 65-75, and >75 years. AVF outcomes including primary failure, AVF patency (primary, secondary, and functional), and AVF complications were studied for 3 years following AVF creation. RESULTS: The cohort was 63% male, 44% Caucasian, and 55% had diabetes or cardiovascular disease. 39% were aged <65 years, 33% 65-75 years, and 28% were aged >75 years. No differences in rates of primary failure, loss of primary patency, complications, or need for intervention were observed between age groups. There was a significant association of age with secondary patency and functional patency, with age >75 being an independent risk factor for shortened lifespan of the fistula. For patients aged >75 years, secondary patency at 3 years was 64% compared to 75%-78% for younger patients. Functional patency at 2 years was 69% for those aged >75 years compared to 78%-81% for younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found no difference in AVF maturation, primary patency, complications, or interventions in those over the age of 75 compared to younger counterparts. While secondary and functional patency rates were significantly lower in those aged >75 years, the magnitude of difference is likely not clinically relevant. Therefore, we recommend that advanced age alone should not preclude patients from AVF creation.

Femoral Arteriovenous Grafts for Hemodialysis: Retrospective Comparison With Upper Extremity Grafts and Fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Femoral arteriovenous grafts are rarely used to provide vascular access for dialysis patients. This is likely due, in part, to historically high rates of graft loss from infection and thrombosis. However, for selected patients who have exhausted all access options in the upper extremity, femoral grafts can provide additional sites for access creation and may be preferred over central venous catheters. OBJECTIVE: We sought to demonstrate that femoral grafts can provide a reliable and safe alternative to central venous catheters for selected patients. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review in Vancouver, Canada, from April 1, 2008, to March 31, 2012, was conducted. All patients with new arteriovenous access (grafts and fistulas) created during the study period were included in the study population and followed for a minimum of 2 years. Comparisons of patency (primary, secondary, and functional) and complications (infectious and noninfectious) were made between the different access types. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with femoral grafts were compared with 22 patients with arm grafts and 384 patients with fistulas. Femoral grafts had higher rates of thrombosis (46% with a thrombotic event) and a higher requirement for interventions (1.3 angioplasties and 0.12 thrombolytic procedures per patient per year). However, compared with arm grafts, femoral grafts had superior secondary and functional patency. No difference in patency was seen when comparing femoral grafts with upper extremity fistulas. Only 2 patients with femoral grafts required antibiotics for infection, and no grafts were lost to infection. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with limited access options remaining, femoral grafts may provide an additional form of vascular access before resorting to catheter use. Our study shows that with appropriate patient selection, femoral grafts have low infection rates and patency that is comparable with other access types.

CONTEXTE: De manière générale, les greffons artérioveineux fémoraux sont rarement utilisés pour fournir des accès vasculaires aux patients dialysés, très probablement en raison des taux historiquement élevés de perte du greffon due à une infection ou à une thrombose. Toutefois, pour certains patients ayant épuisé toutes les options d'accès dans les membres supérieurs, les greffons fémoraux peuvent fournir des sites supplémentaires pour la création d'un accès vasculaire et peuvent être préférés aux cathéters veineux centraux. OBJECTIF DE L'ÉTUDE: Nous avons voulu démontrer que les greffons fémoraux peuvent fournir une solution de rechange fiable et sûre aux cathéters veineux centraux chez certains patients. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective qui s'est tenue dans un centre hospitalier de Vancouver, au Canada, entre le 1er avril 2008 et le 31 mars 2012. Tous les patients chez qui on a procédé à un nouvel accès artérioveineux (greffons ou fistules) au cours de la période d'étude ont été inclus. Les patients recrutés ont été suivis sur une période minimale de deux ans. La perméabilité vasculaire (primaire, secondaire et fonctionnelle) et les complications rapportées (infectieuses et non infectieuses) ont été comparées entre les différents types d'accès. RÉSULTATS: Pour cette étude, treize patients avec greffons artérioveineux fémoraux ont été comparés à 22 patients avec greffons artérioveineux brachiaux et 384 patients avec fistules. Les greffons fémoraux ont présenté des taux plus élevés de thrombose (46% des patients ont subi un événement thrombotique) et nécessité davantage d'interventions (moyenne de 1,3 angioplastie et de 0,12 procédure thrombolytique par patient par année). Toutefois, lorsque comparés aux greffons brachiaux, les greffons fémoraux présentaient des valeurs de perméabilité secondaire et fonctionnelle supérieures. Aucune différence de perméabilité n'a cependant été observée lors de la comparaison des greffons fémoraux et des fistules des membres supérieurs. Seuls deux patients avec un greffon artérioveineux fémoral ont dû être traités aux antibiotiques pour soigner une infection, et aucune perte de greffon en raison d'une infection n'a été observée au cours de l'étude. CONCLUSIONS: Pour les patients dont les possibilités d'accès vasculaire sont limitées, le recours à un greffon artérioveineux fémoral peut s'avérer une option supplémentaire avant de devoir recourir à une sonde. Notre étude montre qu'en portant une attention particulière à la sélection des patients, les greffons artérioveineux fémoraux présentent de faibles taux d'infections et une perméabilité comparable à celle des autres types d'accès vasculaires.

Changing radiation dose from diagnostic computed tomography examinations in Saskatchewan.

PURPOSE: Follow-up study to observe if provincial mean effective radiation dose for head, chest, and abdomen-pelvis (AP) computed tomographies (CTs) remained stable or changed since the initial 2006 survey. METHODS: Data were collected in July 2008 from Saskatchewan's 13 diagnostic CT scanners of 3358 CT examinations. These data included the number of scan phases and projected dose length product (DLP). Technologists compared projected DLP with 2006 reference data before scanning. Projected DLP was converted to effective dose (ED) for each head, chest, and AP CT. The total dose that the patients received with scans of multiple body parts at the same visit also was determined. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) provincial ED was 3.4 ± 1.6 mSv for 1023 head scans (2.7 ± 1.6 mSv in 2006), 9.6 ± 4.8 mSv for 588 chest scans (11.3 ± 8.9 mSv in 2006), and 16.1 ± 9.9 mSv for 983 AP scans (15.5 ± 10.0 mSv in 2006). Single-phase multidetector row CT ED decreased by 31% for chest scans (9.5 ± 3.9 mSv vs 13.7 ± 9.7 mSv in 2006) and 17% for AP scans (13.9 ± 6.0 mSv vs 16.8 ± 10.6 mSv in 2006) and increased by 19% for head scans (3.2 ± 1.2 mSv vs 2.7 ± 1.5 mSv in 2006). The total patient dose was highest (33.8 ± 10.1 mSv) for the 20 patients who received head, neck, chest, and AP scans during a single visit. Because of increased utilisation and the increased CT head dose, Saskatchewan per capital radiation dose from CT increased by 21% between 2006 and 2008 (1.14 vs 1.38 mSv/person per year). CONCLUSION: Significant dose and variation reduction was seen for single-phase CT chest and AP examinations between 2006 and 2008, whereas CT head dose increased over the same interval. These changes, combined with increased utilisation, resulted in per capita increase in radiation dose from CT between the 2 studies.

Computed tomography radiation dose: a primer for administrators.

The use of computed tomography (CT) is growing, and, consequently, the associated radiation dose to patients is increasing as well. There is also increasing evidence linking the radiation dose within the range of diagnostic CT with a significantly increased risk of malignancy. These two factors combine to make radiation dose from diagnostic CT a public health concern. In order to practise to the best of our abilities and avoid harming patients, the radiation dose from CT must be minimized. Administrators, technologists, radiologists and other physicians are encouraged to work toward this goal through the use of education and a multi-faceted team approach. The objective of this paper is to educate healthcare professionals about the radiation dose from diagnostic CT, including utilization rates, typical examination doses and the risks of this radiation. Our experience in Saskatchewan is discussed. Suggestions regarding CT dose management and optimization are highlighted.

Radiation dose from diagnostic computed tomography in Saskatchewan.

OBJECTIVE: To calculate the effective dose from diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scans in Saskatchewan, Canada, and compare with other reported dose levels. METHODS: Data from CT scans were collected from 12 scanners in 7 cities across Saskatchewan. The patient age, scan type, and selected technique parameters including the dose length product and the volume computed tomography dose index were collected for a 2-week period. This information then was used to calculate effective doses patients are exposed to during CT examinations. Data from 2,061 clinically indicated CT examinations were collected, and of them 1,690 were eligible for analysis. Every examination during a 2-week period was recorded without selection. RESULTS: The average provincial estimated patient dose was as follows: head, 2.7 mSv (638 scans; standard deviation [SD], +/-1.6); chest, 11.3 mSv (376 scans; SD, +/-8.9); abdomen-pelvis, 15.5 mSv (578 scans; SD, +/-10.0); abdomen, 11.7 mSv (80 scans; SD, +/-11.48), and pelvis, 8.6 mSv (18 scans; SD, +/-6.04). Significant variation in dose between the CT scanners was observed (P = .049 for head, P = .001 for chest, and P = .034 for abdomen-pelvis). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the estimated dose from diagnostic CT examinations was similar to other previously published Canadian data from British Columbia. This dose varied slightly from some other published standards, including being higher than those found in a review conducted in the United Kingdom in 2003.