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.