Optimization of MRI sequences in children

Simultaneously with this request for METC approval, a request for METC approval
for a study called "The effects of prenatal exposure to nicotine and cannabis
on brain development at school age" has been submitted. This study needs
existing MR sequences to be optimized to the young participants of this study.
Future research plans (for which financing and METC approval requests are in
preparation) also need optimizing of MR sequences.

The objective of the study is to optimize MR sequences for scientific research
on brain development in children.

Before an MRI is made, all children are submitted to an extensive practice
session with a mock scanner. The practice session is aimed at reducing possible
fear by preparing the child for the MRI. The child gets acquainted with the
scanner, the scan noises and learns to lay as motionless as possible during the
making of the scans. Furthermore, it is stressed that the child is always in
control and can stop the scan with a button press. After the practice session,
several MR sequences are made.

There are no known medical risks to MR scanning. Because the optimizing study
involves young participants, there is an extensive practice procedure to make
the MR scanning as comfortable and fun as possible for the children. During the
practice session (multiple sessions, if required), the child gets familiar with
the scan environment, the MR scanner and the accompanying noises. The child is
asked at several moments whether he/she enjoys the practice session and whether
he/she finds the experience scary. These are opportunities for the child to
(non-verbally) decline further participation to the study. Furthermore, the
researcher will continually monitor the behavior of the child during the
practice session and MR scanning for signs indicating that the child wishes to
stop the study. The study will be stopped immediately when the child, the
parents or the researcher want it to stop. The child will be able to watch a
video during the practice session as well as during MR scanning. There will be
several DVDs to choose from, so the child won't be bored.