The effects of diagnostic X-ray exposure on the human fetus: an examination of the evidence.
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increased incidence of morbidity and mortality among children exposed prenatally or preconceptually to diagnostic x-rays, as compared to nonirradiated controls. In those studies radiation exposure occurred on a selective basis, as the examination was always medically indicated. Comparisons of those studies and comparable ones in which radiation exposure occurred on a nonselective basis (from routine pelvimetry examinations or atomic bomb radiation) indicate that the latter studies do not confirm the former and a significant discrepancy is present in each instance. Thus, some doubt is cast on the validity of the former studies.
D002648:Child; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D009026:Mortality; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D010387:Pelvimetry / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000401:mortality; D011859:Radiography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012744:Sex Ratio