Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP66-11
Sources of Funding: None

Introduction

Concern exists regarding overuse of computed tomography (CT) children with nephrolithiasis. While guidelines for pediatric nephrolithiasis call for imaging such as plain film of the kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) or renal ultrasound (US) to minimize ionizing radiation in both initial and follow-up management, little is known regarding follow-up imaging practices. We explored nationwide imaging patterns in children following emergency department (ED) evaluations for nephrolithiasis, hypothesizing that initial imaging choice and need for admission or readmission increase the risk of follow-up CT scans.

Methods

Claims from MarketScan (2007-2013), an employer-based dataset of privately insured patients, were used to assess children 1-18 presenting to the ED an acute nephrolithiasis event, defined as no prior ED visits or surgical interventions for nephrolithiasis within 6 months. Independent variables were age, gender, region of care and insurance status, initial imaging modality, need for hospital admission, and return ED visits. Primary outcome was imaging modality 90 days following an encounter. Appropriate imaging was defined as either KUB or US. Using logistic regression, odds for receiving CT or appropriate imaging in follow-up were calculated.

Results

A total of 871 children with an ED visit for nephrolithiasis met inclusion criteria. Median age was 16 (range 1-18) and the majority of patients were female (550, 63.0%). KUB was the most common initial modality (520, 59.7%) followed by CT (196, 22.5%) and US (150, 17.2%). A total of 282 (30.9%) children received no follow-up imaging. Of children receiving any follow-up imaging, appropriate imaging was obtained in 306 (51.9%) and CT obtained in 283 (48.0%) children. Of children initially receiving a CT, 79 (40.3%) had a CT in follow-up. Predictors for imaging patterns are shown in the Table.

Conclusions

Overuse of CT in children with nephrolithiasis is not limited to initial presentation as one third of all children presenting to the ED received a CT in follow-up. Identifiable risk factors for follow-up CT include younger age, complexity of stone event, and region of care. Clinical pathways directing imaging strategies for pediatric nephrolithiasis should focus on follow-up imaging as well as initial evaluation.

Funding

None