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Discomfort in children undergoing unsedated MRI

Anna E Westra1, Maria P A Zegers, Rám N Sukhai

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands. a.e.westra@lumc.nl

European Journal of Pediatrics
|December 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans cause minimal discomfort for most children. Parental anxiety and contrast dye use were linked to increased distress in children undergoing MRI.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric imaging
  • Medical physics
  • Child psychology

Background:

  • Research Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in children requires ethical review to ensure minimal harm.
  • Assessing discomfort in pediatric MRI is crucial for patient well-being and procedural consent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide empirical data on discomfort experienced by unsedated children (5-12 years) during MRI scans.
  • To investigate the relationship between age and MRI-related discomfort in children.
  • To identify subject and procedural characteristics associated with increased discomfort during pediatric MRI.

Main Methods:

  • Collected self-report scores, observational data, heart rate variability, and salivary cortisol levels from 54 children (5-12 years) undergoing diagnostic MRI.
  • Analyzed data to assess levels of discomfort and identify associated factors.

Main Results:

  • Over half of the children experienced minimal discomfort during MRI.
  • No significant association was found between younger age and higher discomfort levels.
  • Parental trait anxiety correlated with observational discomfort scores.
  • Use of contrast agents requiring venous cannulation was linked to elevated salivary cortisol levels.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric MRI-related discomfort is generally minimal for children aged 5-12.
  • Parental anxiety and procedural factors like contrast administration are more influential on discomfort than age alone.
  • Findings support the ethical assessment of minimal risk for pediatric research MRI.

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