Computed Tomography Scans in Children With Hemophilia After Minor Head Trauma.

Objectives: Children with hemophilia have the usual childhood risk of falls and head trauma. Head computed tomographies (HCTs) are fast, detailed, and readily available, but increased radiation exposure in the pediatric population is now recognized as causing increased brain malignancy. By examining the incidence of intracranial cerebral hemorrhage in this population, we will be able to weigh risks and benefits of HCT use more accurately.

Methods: Using a retrospective chart review, we examined past medical records of pediatric patients, aged 0 to 15 years, with hemophilia presenting to 1 academic medical center. Primary outcomes included number of head CTs ordered, total and per patient over the years studied, and the incidence of positive findings, as defined by presence of blood products as documented by radiologist final read/interpretation.

Results: The mean number of head CTs per child was 2.5 (range, 1-10). None of the HCT scans were read as intracranial cerebral hemorrhage, and none of the patients had findings that lead to neurosurgical intervention. In a sensitivity analysis, applying Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network head injury criteria, 11 HCT scans would be ordered for a reduction of 80 HCTs, or a decrease of 2 HCT scans per child. No incidence of intracranial cerebral hemorrhage would have been missed.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that in the child with hemophilia and a history of minor head trauma, exposure to the radiation of a HCT based on the diagnosis of hemophilia alone may not be necessary but that imaging decisions need to be made in conjunction with clinical examination findings and neurologic status.