Objective: 131I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine (131I-MIBG) therapy has been used in children with high-risk neuroblastoma, who, in Japan, are cared for by trained nurses. To determine the safety of occupational radiation exposure in nurses, we retrospectively examined radiation exposure during therapy.
Methods: Sixty-two nurses who received radiation exposure during 131I-MIBG therapy were assessed for the daily percentage of total radiation exposure received using the formula, daily radiation exposure/total radiation dose × 100; self-care score of children was evaluated.
Results: Fifty-four 131I-MIBG treatments (592 ± 111 MBq/kg) were performed in neuroblastoma patients (M/F; 27 /27, mean age at 131I-MIBG treatment; 7 ± 2 years), who were isolated for 5 ± 1 days. Average total (0.36 ± 0.18 mSv; range 0.09-0.97 mSv) and daily (0.07 ± 0.05 mSv/day; range 0.02-0.32 mSv/day) radiation exposure to nurses per patient care. The daily percentage of total radiation exposure significantly decreased in 3 days after 131I-MIBG treatment (days 0, 1, and 2 was 38.2 ± 14.7%, 26.9 ± 12.6%, and 15.3 ± 7.1%, respectively), and the average self-care score was 12.2 ± 3.5 (10-27) for all patients. Higher self-care score was significantly related to younger patients' age and higher daily radiation exposure in nurses.
Conclusion: Individual exposure to radiation was well controlled. Nurses who care for pediatric patients needing daily assistance must be aware of the radiation exposure risks, which can be reduced by establishing a care system and monitoring radiation exposure.
Keywords: 131I-MIBG therapy; Nurses’ care; Whole-body radiation exposure.