Radioiodine (131I) therapies performed in a paediatric hospital: facilities and procedures

Abstract

Radioiodine (I) therapies on younger children with thyroid cancer and neuroblastoma can be challenging as they are required to be isolated for a period of time due to radiation safety concerns. At our hospital these therapies are performed in a purpose-built child-friendly therapy room. Nursing staff are able to provide personal care during the isolation period with minimum radiation exposure. Patients are provided with various age-appropriate entertainment items such as iPad, X-Box, DVD, craft and books to keep them entertained while in isolation. Parents can communicate freely with their child via the audio-visual system located in the Ward Parent Lounge and can also stay in the shielded part of the ante room of the therapy room. Nursing staff can communicate with the patient via a similar audio-visual system located in the nurses station so that they only need to enter the therapy room when they are required to provide personal patient care. All persons entering the therapy room are monitored with personal digital dosimeters. Patients accept the isolation period with minimal aggravation and the personal radiation exposures to staff, parents and visitors are well below the general public annual limit of 1000 µSv. The design and facilities of the therapy room with its child-friendly surroundings and support network makes the experience of the isolation period easier and positive for both patients and parents. For Graves' disease, the patients are treated as outpatients in the Department of Nuclear Medicine and are discharged within a short time after the radioiodine administration.