Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:19:15 +0000

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A new tool may help standardize the use of computed tomography (CT scans) in children with minor head injury and help reduce the number of scans, according to a new study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) (pre-embargo link only) http://www.cmaj.ca/embargo/cmaj091421.pdf.

More than 650,000 children with minor head injuries resulting in loss of consciousness, amnesia, disorientation and/or vomiting are seen each year in emergency departments at North American hospitals. CT scans are important for diagnosing serious brain injuries but they expose children to the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation and significantly add to health care costs. Use of CT for minor head injury in Canadian pediatric emergency departments has increased to 53% in 2005 from 15% in 1995.

There are currently no widely-accepted, evidence-based guidelines on the use of CT scans in children with minor head injuries.

A team of researchers from pediatric institutions across Canada have developed the CATCH rule (Canadian Assessment of Tomography for Childhood Injury) to guide physicians in determining whether a child with minor head trauma should receive a CT scan. The study involved 3866 children aged 0 to 16 years of age from 10 Canadian pediatric teaching institutions.

"We believe an accurate clinical decision rule, like the CATCH Rule, can stabilize or reduce the number of children receiving a CT scan, thereby minimizing both health care costs and exposure to the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation," write Dr. Osmond, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and coauthors. "There is growing concern that early exposure to ionizing radiation may result in a significant rise in lifetime fatal cancer risk."

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Ottawa, University of Alberta, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario, CHU Sainte-Justine, McGill University, Columbia University Medical Centre, University of Calgary, Dalhousie University and University of Manitoba.

There is considerable debate when it comes to the use of CT scans. Some support routine CT scanning of all minor head injury patients, while others are more selective.

"Without the support of widely accepted, evidence-based guidelines, physicians are likely to follow the conservative approach of ordering CT scans for most children seen in emergency departments with minor head injury," write the authors.

The authors conclude that the CATCH Rule, made up of 7 simple findings from the child's history and physical exam, has the potential to both standardize the need for CT and reduce the number of CT scans performed in children with minor head injury. They note that further studies are required to validate this rule in other pediatric age groups.

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Nominations for the UWOSA Election closed on January 29, 2010. The Elections Committee is pleased to present its report of those nominations.

The following individuals have been acclaimed for a two-year term, effective May 1, 2010:

Executive Offices

President: David Empey
Chief Steward: Stephanie Macleod
Treasurer: Rob Fournier
Membership Services Officer: Denise Farr
Secretary: Mike Parker

Stewards

Area A: Sharon Ramsey
Area B: Meg Perinpanayagam
Area B: Wanda Humphrey
Area E: Lotte Huxley
Area F: Mary Van de Ven
Area G: Cinthia Maclean
Area J: Cheryl Jamieson
Area L: Arzie Chant
Area N: Roy Forget
Area N: Melanie Noon
Area O: Harvey Easton
Area Q: Karen Foullong
Area T: Meera Karajgikar

An online election will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 for the offices of Vice President and Health and Safety Officer.

Nominees for the office of Vice President are Dana Lowry and Deb Novakowski.

Nominees for the office of Health and Safety Officer are Scott McIntosh and Jackie Sparks.

UWOSA members will be sent a letter with their login username and password on February 19th. A Candidates' Forum will be held on Thursday, February 25th, so that members can meet those running for office. Details will follow soon.

If you have any questions about the election procedure, please contact Jennifer Brace, Chair of the Election Committee, by email or by telephone at extension 83427.