Comparison of early and late MRI in neonatal XXXX using three assessment methods.

@entity130 @entity1545 @entity2332 @entity2806
BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the optimum timing of MRI in neonates with @entity2806 treated with @entity2332 . Reliable early imaging assessment might help managing treatment. OBJECTIVE: To assess non-random differences between early and late MRI that might influence intensive-care decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included all asphyxiated term neonates eligible for @entity2332 treatment November 2009-July 2012. MRI scans were systematically performed at day 4 (early MRI) and day 11 of life as part of routine protocol. Two experienced pediatric radiologists reviewed both scans according to three assessment methods: a pattern classification, a scoring system and a simplified classification. Agreement between early and late imaging findings was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficients. RESULTS: Thirty-three neonates were included. Interobserver agreement was excellent. Early MRI detected all severe @entity130 . Agreement between early and late MRI was excellent for the simplified classification (k   =   0.82), good for the pattern classification (k   =   0.64), and good to excellent for 3 scores out of 4 in the scoring system (k   =   0.70-0.89). CONCLUSION: Early MRI may provide valuable information about @entity1545 to help parents and neonatologists in intensive-care decisions at the end of @entity2332 treatment.
