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Tympanic thermometry in Nigerian children
O O Akinyinka1, S I Omokhodion, J F Olawuyi
1Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, PMB 5116, Ibadan, Nigeria. malaria.iba@alpha.linkserve.com
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|July 27, 2001
Summary
Aural and rectal temperature measurements in children under 60 months showed high correlation and concordance. Tympanic thermometry is a simpler, safer, and quicker alternative to rectal thermometry for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Medical Devices
- Clinical Thermometry
Background:
- Accurate temperature measurement is crucial in pediatric care.
- Rectal thermometry is considered a standard but can be invasive and time-consuming.
- Aural (tympanic) thermometry offers a potentially faster and less invasive alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy and concordance of aural (tympanic) versus rectal temperature measurements in children.
- To evaluate the suitability of tympanic thermometry for routine pediatric use.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous rectal and aural temperature recordings were performed in 378 children aged 60 months or younger.
- Statistical analysis included correlation coefficients and mean differences between the two measurement methods.
Main Results:
- High correlation coefficients (r = 0.61–0.91) were observed between rectal and aural temperatures across age groups.
- Mean temperature differences were small, ranging from -0.06 to 0.25°C.
- Concordance between methods was high, ranging from 88.9% to 98%.
Conclusions:
- Aural (tympanic) thermometry demonstrates significant accuracy and concordance with rectal measurements in children.
- Tympanic thermometry is a simpler, safer, and quicker method, justifying its use in pediatric clinical settings.