Temperature Changes During Sedated Pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Ankara Etlik City Hospital285 enrolled

Overview

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in pediatric patients and frequently requires sedation or general anesthesia. Both sedation and MRI-related environmental factors may influence thermoregulation. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate body temperature changes in children undergoing MRI under sedation and to identify factors associated with these changes. A total of 285 pediatric patients (ASA physical status I-III) were included. Tympanic body temperature was measured immediately before sedation and after completion of MRI, and the temperature difference (ΔT) was calculated. Demographic, clinical, and environmental variables were analyzed to determine predictors of temperature change.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

285

Conditions

Body Temperature Changes Pediatric Anesthesia Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Interventions

This is a prospective observational study. No experimental intervention was applied. All pediatric patients underwent routine sedation for clinically indicated MRI procedures according to institutional standard practice. The study evaluated body temperature changes before and after MRI without modifying clinical management.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 1 DayMax age: 17 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 years. * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III. * Scheduled to undergo clinically indicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under sedation. * Written informed consent obtained from parent. Exclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years. * ASA physical status IV-V. * Known allergy to anesthetic medications used for sedation. * Unstable vital signs prior to MRI. * Fever (body temperature ≥37.5°C) before MRI. * Severe pulmonary or cardiovascular comorbidities. * Requirement for advanced airway management (laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal intubation). * Refusal or absence of parental consent.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Body Temperature (ΔT) Before and After MRI

The difference between tympanic body temperature measured immediately before sedation and immediately after completion of MRI (post-MRI minus pre-MRI temperature), expressed in degrees Celsius (°C).

Time frame: From immediately before sedation to immediately after completion of MRI (approximately 20-80 minutes)

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Tympanic Body Temperature (ΔT)

Change in core body temperature measured at the tympanic membrane using a Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer PRO 6000 (accuracy ±0.2°C). ΔT is calculated as post-MRI temperature minus pre-MRI temperature. Unit of Measure: Degrees Celsius (°C)

Time frame: From immediately before sedation (pre-MRI) to immediately after MRI completion (approximately 20-80 minutes).

Regression Coefficient (B) for Continuous Body Temperature Change (ΔT, °C)

Independent predictors of continuous body temperature change (ΔT, °C) will be evaluated using multivariable linear regression analysis. In this model, ΔT (calculated as post-MRI minus pre-MRI tympanic temperature) will be entered as the dependent variable. The following predefined variables will be included simultaneously as independent predictors: age group (0-2, 3-7, 8-17 years), sex (male/female), ASA physical status (I-III), body mass index (kg/m²), fasting duration (hours), MRI duration (minutes), MRI room temperature (°C), MRI room humidity (%), contrast administration (yes/no), presence of comorbidity (yes/no), malignancy (yes/no), and allergy history (yes/no).