Paediatrics

Abstract

The pattern of disease occurring in childhood differs substantially from that ir the adult population, both in type and incidence. Congenital abnormalities are relatively more common, as are infection, trauma and their comsequences. Malignancy and the effects of degenerative disease are comparatively rare and when malignancy does occur the types found are substantially different from those in adults. Any investigation which can be performed in an adult can also be undertaken in a child. It is, however:, often necessary to modify procedures, especially when there is a difference in emphasis. As with other pharmaceuticals, administered activities should be based on a standard adult dose adjusted for body size using a nomogram relating the fraction of adult dose to body surface area, weight or age. It is a general principal that the quantity of radioactivity administered should always be ‘as low as reasonably achievable’. This, the ALARA principle, is as important in children as adults. Most of the conditions for which children are investigated are non-lethal and because of their longer life expectancy radiation dose is always an important consideration, but to reduce the administered activity to a level such that the diagnostic quality of an investigation is impaired is clearly counter-productive.