Maria Tziraki1, Shruti Garg2,3, Emma Harrison4, Neville B Wright3, Rob Hawkes3, Kapasi Akhtar2, Jonathan Green2,3, Stavros Stivaros3,5. 1. Psychology Department, CITY College, International Faculty of the University of Sheffield, Thessaloniki, Greece. 2. Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. 3. Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. 4. NIHR Clinical Research Facility, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. 5. Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester & Academic Unit of Paediatric Radiology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
Abstract
This paper describes the key basic elements required for a successful multi-parametric MRI data acquisition in awake children with autism. The procedure was designed by taking into account methodological challenges arising from the acquisition of Resting State fMRI (RS fMRI) data, and factors such as cost, time, and staff availability. The ultimate aim was to prepare an imaging preparation protocol with high transferability to the whole autism spectrum, adaptable for use in a multi-site research with multiple time points. As part of a randomized pharmaco-intervention study, 31 children aged 4-10 years with Neurofibromatosis 1 and autism underwent MR imaging at baseline and end of intervention. The protocol consisted of tailored habituation instructions including gradual exposure to scanner noise, a social stories booklet, positive incentive strategies, and Play Therapy support. Success rate for initial acquisition was 71% for GABA+ MR spectroscopy at either location, 87% for perfusion, and 67% for diffusion assessment, and 71% for RS fMRI. Qualitative data indicated that 84% parents found the habituation protocol helpful. LAY SUMMARY: Here we describe a protocol for brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tailored for children with ASD to help reduce stress and avoid sedation during scanning. This procedure can make advanced medical imaging more accessible and promote a better MRI experience for families of children with ASD.
RCT Entities:
This paper describes the key basic elements required for a successful multi-parametric MRI data acquisition in awake children with autism. The procedure was designed by taking into account methodological challenges arising from the acquisition of Resting State fMRI (RS fMRI) data, and factors such as cost, time, and staff availability. The ultimate aim was to prepare an imaging preparation protocol with high transferability to the whole autism spectrum, adaptable for use in a multi-site research with multiple time points. As part of a randomized pharmaco-intervention study, 31 children aged 4-10 years with Neurofibromatosis 1 and autism underwent MR imaging at baseline and end of intervention. The protocol consisted of tailored habituation instructions including gradual exposure to scanner noise, a social stories booklet, positive incentive strategies, and Play Therapy support. Success rate for initial acquisition was 71% for GABA+ MR spectroscopy at either location, 87% for perfusion, and 67% for diffusion assessment, and 71% for RS fMRI. Qualitative data indicated that 84% parents found the habituation protocol helpful. LAY SUMMARY: Here we describe a protocol for brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tailored for children with ASD to help reduce stress and avoid sedation during scanning. This procedure can make advanced medical imaging more accessible and promote a better MRI experience for families of children with ASD.
Authors: Michał Podgórski; Katarzyna Matera; Łukasz Olewnik; Tomasz Puzio; Dobromiła Barańska; Piotr Grzelak Journal: J Clin Med Date: 2022-05-22 Impact factor: 4.964
Authors: Nikolaos Stogiannos; Sarah Carlier; Jane M Harvey-Lloyd; Andrea Brammer; Barbara Nugent; Karen Cleaver; Jonathan P McNulty; Cláudia Sá Dos Reis; Christina Malamateniou Journal: Autism Date: 2021-12-28