Determining how to Optimize, Lengthen and Facilitate Imaging in Newborns and children
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a safe technology for obtaining images of the brain. However, it is difficult to acquire MRI images in young children, because they must remain still during acquisition. MRI is often performed under sedation in clinical contexts. The DOLFIN project aimed to validate a play familiarization procedure for obtaining MRI without sedation or anaesthesia in children 3 to 5 years old.
Familiarization through Play: 4 Steps
1) Youpla’s Story
Comic book created by the ABCs Lab to explain the procedures involved in MRI by following Youpla on his adventures at CHU Sainte-Justine
2) Toy MRI
Wooden play MRI and Youpla puppet with which children can interact during the story
3) MRI sounds & earmuffs
Presentation of earmuffs and clips of MRI sounds to children
4) Child’s choice of video
During the MRI children can watch the video of their choice (DVD)
Key Results
Of 37 participants, 15 controls et 10 mTBI reached the success criterion for MRI acquisition. No group differences in MRI success were found.
Of those who went in the MRI: >
Success
77% of children went in the MRI and completed at least part of the acqusition.
Image Quality
73-100% of the structural images acquired were of good quality.
Appreciation
68-82% of children enjoyed doing the MRI
58%-73 of children would do the MRI again
“The success of this project allowed us to integrate this familiarization procedure within the KOALA project, a pan-Canadian study studying the effects of concussion in children aged 6 months to 6 years. We have acquired further MRIs without sedation in children 3 to 6 years and collected valuable, high quality data.”
Jessica Lacombe-BarriosCoordonnatrice de recherche du projet DAUFIN
