Effects of low doses of radiation on children after exposure to scanner in the Republic of Congo

Abstract

Computed tomography is a technique used to evaluate the diagnostic reference level, like many African countries, particularly in Congo Brazzaville, where populations are used this technique. During the collection of information, 76 pediatric patients aged 0 to 14 years were identified. The aim of this study was to assess or evaluate the consequences of small amounts of radiation on children after being exposed to the scanner. According to recent epidemiological research, it has been found that children and adolescents are at higher risk of cancer following exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation from a diagnostic scanner, with a cumulative dose of approximately 50 mSv. Blood samples were taken from 61 patients. 30 healthy donors of whom were included as controls. Hematological parameters are analyzed using automated statistical analysis. A blood sample is obtained before and 24 hours after exposure to the scanner at the Pierre MOBENGO Central Army Hospital (A), Banche Gomez (B), two different hospitals in Congo-Brazzaville. After 24 hours of exposure to the scanner, there1 was a significant drop in red blood cells and hemoglobin in all patients (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0004). There is a significant correlation between abdominal-Pleven CT and fluctuations in white blood and granulocytes.An increase in lymphocytes was observed in young patients who were exposed to low doses of radiation. These variations were reflected inflammatory reactions. After fluorescence hybridization staining of telomeres and centromeres, 1chromosomal and telomeric aberrations were observed. It is important to emphasize that the increase in chromosomal and telomeric aberrations is influenced by age. Chromosome instability is primarily caused by loss of telomere functionality.