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Black, Hispanic children less likely to receive cranial CT scans
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White children are more likely to receive cranial CT scans after minor head trauma compared with black or Hispanic children, according to study results presented at the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Scientific Assembly.
JoAnn E. Natale, MD, associate professor of pediatric critical care medicine at UC Davis School of Medicine, and colleagues analyzed data on children admitted to the ED with minor head trauma. The childrens’ race/ethnicity was classified as Hispanic, non-Hispanic black or non-Hispanic white. The researchers also utilized data compiled for a seminal 2009 study, which found CT scans are not necessary for children at very low risk of clinically significant traumatic brain injury.
Overall, white children were more likely to receive a CT scan vs. black and Hispanic children; however, researchers found that the child’s race/ethnicity did not influence the likelihood of scanning. The researchers determined that CT scans were not underused in black and Hispanic children but said white children may receive too many CT scans, raising their chances to be exposed to unnecessary radiation. Unnecessary scans may also affect overall health care costs.
“Clearly, further studies should focus on explaining racial differences in the use of emergent neuroimaging,” Natale said in a press release. “Our study highlights the importance of strong, evidence-based guidelines to ensure equal and optimal care for all children.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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