Estimated Internal and External Radiation Exposure of Caregivers of Patients With Pediatric Neuroblastoma Undergoing 131I Metaiodobenzylguanidine Therapy: A Prospective Pilot Study. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Han, Sangwon; Yoo, Seon Hee; Koh, Kyung-Nam; Lee, Jong Jin
• Is Part Of: Clinical nuclear medicine. Volume 42:Number 4(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: internal -- radiation -- 131I MIBG -- caregiver -- neuroblastoma; Nuclear medicine -- Periodicals; Radioisotope scanning -- Periodicals; Nuclear Medicine -- Periodicals; 616.07575
• DOI: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000001546
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-9762

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Current recommendations suggest that family members should participate in the care of children receiving in-hospital 131 I metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) therapy for neuroblastoma. The present study aimed to measure the external radiation exposure and estimate the internal radiation exposure of caregivers during the hospital stay for 131 I MIBG therapy. Materials and Methods: Caregivers received radiation safety instructions and a potassium iodide solution for thyroid blockade before patient admission. External radiation exposure was determined using a personal pocket dosimeter. Serial 24-hour urine samples were collected from caregivers during the hospital stay. Estimated internal radiation exposure was calculated based on the urine activity. Results: Twelve cases (mean age, 6.2 ± 3.5 years; range, 2–13 years) were enrolled. The mean administered activity was 233.3 ± 74.9 (range, 150.0–350.0) mCi. The mean external radiation dose was 5.8 ± 7.2 (range, 0.8–19.9) mSv. Caregivers of children older than 4 years had significantly less external radiation exposure than those of children younger than 4 years (1.9 ± 1.0 vs 16.4 ± 5.0 mSv; P = 0.012). The mean estimated internal radiation dose was 11.3 ± 10.2 (range, 1.0–29.8) μSv. Conclusions: Caregivers receive both external and internal radiation exposure while providing in-hospital care to children receiving 131 I MIBG therapy for neuroblastoma. However, the internal radiation exposure was negligible compared with the external radiation exposure.