“To be or not to be” intravenous application of second generation ultrasound contrast agents in children – safety considerations

Purpose: The problem of no registration and off-label use of UCA in children is the cause of discussion both in Europe and in the United States of America. However, UCAs are used intravenously in children in many centers in Europe and around the world. Up till October 2012 none of the publications on the intravenous administration of UCA has reported any adverse effects. In the first retrospective work based on questionnaires six minor adverse effects had been recorded after intravenous contrast administration. We would like to present one centers experiences with the use of UCA, and discuss safety of UCA in the…