Lung Ultrasound Reduces Radiation Exposure, Duration of Illness, and Costs in Pediatric Pneumonia: A 2‐Year Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of lung ultrasound on the frequency of radiological examinations (chest X-ray and CT), radiation exposure, duration of illness, and hospitalization costs in pediatric pneumonia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on pediatric pneumonia cases from two branches of Ordos Central Hospital-Dongsheng (n = 407, all underwent lung ultrasound) and Kangbashi (n = 155, none underwent lung ultrasound)-between January 2022 and June 2024. RESULTS: No significant differences in duration of illness or costs for mild cases (p > 0.05). For severe cases, DongSheng Hospital had a shorter median duration of illness (12 vs. 14 days, p = 0.021) and lower median costs (3485 vs. 4378 RMB, p = 0.003). The median number of chest X-rays (1 vs. 2) and CT scans (0 vs. 1) was lower at DongSheng compared to Kangbashi (p < 0.001). Age-stratified analysis revealed significantly lower dose-area product (DAP) from X-rays in mild cases (p < 0.001), with significantly lower dose-length product (DLP) from CT also observed in children aged ≥ 5 years (p < 0.05). In severe cases, significantly lower DAP was found (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed for DLP. CONCLUSION: Lung ultrasound reduces the frequency of radiological examinations, radiation exposure, shortens duration of illness in severe cases, and lowers hospitalization costs.