Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a critical diagnostic tool in paediatric healthcare. However, obtaining high‐quality images in young children can be challenging due to their inability to remain still during the procedure. Sedation is commonly used to mitigate this issue, but the impact of different sedation techniques on MRI imaging quality and diagnostic accuracy remains under explored. This study was conducted over one year at a tertiary care center, involving 60 children aged 1‐6 years who required MRI scans. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three sedation groups: oral midazolam, intravenous propofol, or inhalational sevoflurane. MRI imaging quality was assessed using a standardized scoring system by radiologists blinded to the sedation technique. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by comparing MRI findings with clinical outcomes and follow‐up data. Of the 60 participants, 20 were assigned to each sedation group. The average imaging quality scores were as follows: oral midazolam (4.2±0.5), intravenous propofol (4.8±0.3) and inhalational sevoflurane (4.5±0.4) on a scale of 1‐5, with 5 being the highest quality. Diagnostic accuracy was 85% for oral midazolam, 95% for intravenous propofol and 90% for inhalational sevoflurane. The propofol group demonstrated significantly better imaging quality and diagnostic accuracy compared to the midazolam group (p<0.05). Intravenous propofol sedation provides superior MRI imaging quality and diagnostic accuracy in young children compared to oral midazolam and inhalational sevoflurane. These findings suggest that propofol may be the preferred sedation technique for paediatric MRI, improving diagnostic outcomes and reducing the need for repeat imaging.
How to cite this article:
Uday Kumar, Prabhat Kumar, Nikhil Sagar and Suryendru Kumar. The Impact of Sedation Techniques on MRI Imaging Quality and Diagnostic Accuracy in Young Children.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.5.8
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.5.8