Evaluation of esophageal transit in children and in infants by means of Krypton-81m

Abstract

This paper presents the results of Krypton-81m esophageal transit study in a series of children and infants presenting various esophageal disorders. The advantage of Kr-81m, compared to other radionuclides, is that the radiation dose to the patient is extremely low. The study can therefore be repeated as often as necessary and a high dose can be given to ensure good quality results. The method is very easy to perform and allows a quantitative assessment of esophageal transit in physiological conditions. The method gives information about the severity of altered transit and it is particularly useful in studying the effects of treatment.

Specific aspects of gastro-intestinal transit in children for drug delivery design

“…The oesophageal time was also less than 5 s when 10 ml of Kr81m in 5% glucose solution in a single swallow was given in the sitting position to a 4 and a 14-year-old children and 2 ml given in supine position to 3 infants (3, 4 and 6 months old) (Ham et al, 1985). In another study, the mean oesophageal transit time of 5 ml of milk containing Tc Sn colloid in sitting/erect position was less than 3 s in infants (n = 25, 1 year old and n = 8, <2 years old) (Cronin et al, 1995).…”