Application of a second-generation US contrast agent in infants and children--a European questionnaire-based survey.
BACKGROUND
No US contrast agent (US-CA) is currently licensed for use in children.


OBJECTIVE
To survey the off-label use in children of a second-generation US-CA.


METHODS
Questionnaires were e-mailed to European paediatric radiologists, who were asked about their experience with the second-generation US-CA Sonovue® (Bracco, Milan, Italy). Number of examinations per indication and adverse effects were recorded. Examinations were categorised by intravenous or intracavitary use of US-CA.


RESULTS
Out of 146 respondents, 88 stated that they did not perform contrast-enhanced US in children, but 36 of these (44%) would appreciate paediatric approval. Forty-five centres reported 5,079 examinations in children (age mean: 2.9 years; range: birth-18 years, M/F: 1/ 2.8). The majority (4,131 [81%] in 29 centres) were intravesical applications. The minority (948 [19%] in 30 centres) were intravenous applications. No adverse effects had been recorded from intravesical use. Six minor adverse effects (skin reaction, unusual taste, hyperventilation) had been recorded after five intravenous studies (0.52%).


CONCLUSIONS
Responses suggest a favourable safety profile of this second-generation US-CA in children. It also demonstrates a demand for such US-CA from paediatric radiologists.
Department of Radiology, Division of Paediatric Radiology, Universitätsklinikum LKH Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34, 8036, Graz, Austria. michael.riccabona@klinikum-graz.at
Michael
M
Riccabona
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D056687:Off-Label Use / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011871:Radiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D003287:Contrast Media