Discomfort in children undergoing unsedated 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.