[Use of radiopharmaceuticals in pediatrics: Specificities and recommandations of SoFRa (Société française de radiopharmacie)]

Radiopharmaceuticals are commonly used in children in nuclear medicine. Because of physiological differences in growing children and their radiosensitivity, precautions must be taken throughout the medication use process. The aim of this work is to propose recommendations, under the aegis of the Société française de radiopharmacie (SoFRa), for each subsystem of the process, in order to ensure the safety of pediatric patients. Furthermore, an analysis of two surveys on diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals dosage used in different nuclear medicine departments in France is detailed. Recommendations for therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are also provided. Specificities of the preparation for pediatric patients are discussed through the example of the radiopharmaceuticals for lung perfusion scintigraphy. The preparation of individual dose and administration are also described. In nuclear medicine, radiopharmacist's expertise is essential for patient safety. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to secure pediatric radiopharmaceutical use process.