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[Axillary temperature compared to tympanic membrane temperature in children]
G Greyling1, M J Viljoen, G Joubert
1Departement Huisartskunde Fakulteit Gesondheidswetenskappe Universiteit van die Oranje Vrystaat.
Insights
Axillary temperature measurements in children aged 1-12 years improve over time, with 9-minute readings showing the highest sensitivity for detecting fever. This method is a viable screening tool for pediatric fever in emergency settings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Medical Thermometry
Background:
- Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for diagnosing pediatric fever.
- Axillary temperature measurement is a common, non-invasive method.
- Tympanic membrane temperature is considered the gold standard for core body temperature measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate axillary temperature measurements at 3, 6, and 9 minutes in children aged 1-12 years.
- To compare axillary readings with tympanic membrane temperatures.
- To determine the optimal measurement duration and temperature range for axillary fever screening.
Main Methods:
- Non-random sampling of 100 children aged 1-12 years.
- Axillary temperature measured at 3, 6, and 9 minutes.
- Simultaneous measurement of tympanic membrane temperature as the gold standard.
- Analysis using sensitivity, specificity, limits of agreement, and predictive values.
Main Results:
- Axillary temperature readings increased with measurement duration.
- Maximum temperature readings were achieved at 9 minutes in 66% of children.
- The 35.5°C to 37.2°C range showed the highest sensitivity for fever detection at 9 minutes.
- Specificity was lower within this sensitive range.
Conclusions:
- Axillary temperature measurement is an acceptable screening method for pediatric fever in emergency settings.
- A 9-minute measurement duration offers the highest sensitivity.
- Careful consideration of temperature ranges and measurement duration is necessary for accurate axillary temperature assessment.
Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to measure the axillary temperature at three, six and nine minutes in a hundred children between the ages of one and twelve years who were selected in a non-random deliberate way, and to compare the measurements with the tympanic membrane temperature (golden standard) which was measured in the test persons at the same time. The results were described by sensitivity, specificity, limits of agreement, and predictive values. From some of the findings of the research it is apparent that the axillary temperature reading increased after measurement of three, six and nine minutes. A maximum temperature reading was reached after three minutes in only 9% of the test persons, in 25% after six minutes and in 66% after nine minutes. From the findings it is clear that the ranges that were used influenced the sensitivity of the measurements, and it would appear that the range 35.5 degrees C to 37.2 degrees C was the best range to measure pyrexia in the age group one to 12 years. The 9-minute measurement then had the highest sensitivity. However, the specificity of measurement in this range was lower. The conclusion was drawn that axillary temperature measurement is an acceptable method, with certain reservations, to use as screening method for pyrexia in emergency divisions or clinics.