Application and Acceptance of Bedside MRI in the NICU Setting
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the applicability of ultralow-field (ULF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), its impact on both the neonate being scanned and neighboring patients, and its effects on medical procedures and early parent-child interaction. BACKGROUND: Neonatal MRI is crucial for diagnosis and treatment in the NICU, but access is limited, both in high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries. Portable ULF MRI presents an opportunity to expand access, but its applicability and potential impacts on neonates and nearby patients have not been studied, including its effects on medical care and early parent-child interaction. METHODS: We assessed applicability, safety and stress levels of neonates during ULF MRI at a NICU by measuring heart rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure of the neonate scanned and neighboring patients and by measuring subjective stress levels assessed by attending physicians, nurses and parents. Using questionnaires, we assessed whether medical care and early parent-child interaction was affected. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the physiological measures of the scanned and neighboring neonates. Medical care and parent-child interaction were not affected by ULF MRI. CONCLUSIONS: ULF MRI can be safely performed in the NICU without causing stress to neonates or affecting medical care or parent-child interaction. It can be performed at the bedside during natural sleep, requiring fewer resources compared to high-field MRI, making it a viable point-of-care option in both the NICU and low-resource settings. This could significantly increase MRI accessibility.
Institutions: University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4410823903