Implementation of National Emergency X-radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) Criteria in Pediatrics: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Since its introduction in 1992, the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria have been used in trauma to decide whether a patient requires radiographic imaging. The tool is important in reducing radiation exposure. However, applying NEXUS criteria for cervical spine imaging in pediatric patients is poorly supported compared to their use in adults. The objective of this review was to examine the effectiveness of using NEXUS criteria in diagnostic management of pediatric cervical spine injuries (CSI).

Methods: The following databases were searched for studies focused on applying NEXUS criteria for CSI in pediatric patients: Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, ELSEVIER, and ScienceDirect.The search focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, retrospective studies, prospective studies, and other uncontrolled trials published from 2000 to 2022. There were seven included studies with a total of 4502 pediatric patients. Five of the included studies were retrospective studies, while the remaining were prospective and case studies.

Results: Our results show sensitivity ranged from 43% to 100%, while specificity ranged from 12.93% to 96%. The sensitivity increased with age, with those under the age of two or under the age of eight reporting poorer outcomes than older pediatric patients. One study also shows the proportion of patients undergoing cervical spine CT increased from 18% to 61% in the initial period before implementation of clearance guidelines. The implementation of guidelines led to a 23% decrease in CT scans clearable by NEXUS criteria after 12 months. One of the studies reported that NEXUS criteria were a cost-effective option when used along with X-rays and CT.

Conclusion : Overall, studies do not strongly support the application of the NEXUS criteria to image pediatric patients for CSI. In conclusion, there is weak support in literature for applying the NEXUS criteria in determining the need for cervical spine imaging in pediatric trauma patients.