Preliminary report: changes in vital signs of term newborns during MR.

PURPOSE To investigate the effect of the MR environment on vital signs of term neonates. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed physiological monitoring data obtained from seven term infants (20 to 22 days old) undergoing a clinically indicated MR examination. They were monitored for heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation while sedated and physically quiet. Six control infants were monitored while sedated and resting in the magnet. RESULTS All of the test infants exhibited substantial changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and/or oxygen saturation during the MR examination. No such changes were observed in the control infants. CONCLUSION These preliminary results suggest that undergoing an MR examination may alter the vital signs of term newborn infants.

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