Choosing Wisely:

Avoid routine daily chest radiographs without an indication for intubated infants.

Search Recommendations

Rationale and Comments: Although intermittent chest radiographs may identify unexpected findings, there is no evidence documenting the effectiveness of daily chest X-rays to reduce adverse outcomes. Further, this practice is associated with increased radiation exposure.
Sponsoring Organizations:
  • American Academy of Pediatrics - Section on Perinatal Pediatrics
    • Sources:
  • Expert consensus
    		•
    Disciplines:
  • Neonatology
  • Pulmonary medicine
    		•
    References: • Greenough A, Dimitriou G, Alvares BR, Karani J. Routine daily chest radiographs in ventilated, very low birth weight infants. Eur J Pediatr. 2001 Mar;160(3):147-9.
    • Spitzer AR, Greer JG, Antunes M, Szema KF, Gross GW. The clinical value of screening chest radiography in the neonate with lung disease. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1993 Sep;32(9):514-9.
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