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Comparison of tympanic and rectal temperature in febrile patients
Arvind Sehgal1, N K Dubey, M C Jyothi
1Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi, India. jyotiarvind@hotmail.com
Insights
Tympanic membrane temperature accurately reflects rectal temperature in febrile children. This non-invasive ear temperature method is preferred by parents due to its speed and ease of use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Medical Thermometry
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Rectal temperature has been the gold standard for core body temperature measurement in children.
- Accurate temperature monitoring is crucial for diagnosing and managing febrile illnesses in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of tympanic membrane temperature measurements with rectal temperature measurements.
- To assess parental preference for tympanic versus rectal thermometry in febrile children.
Main Methods:
- Sixty febrile pediatric patients were enrolled.
- Ear temperatures were measured twice using an infrared thermometer (Thermoscan).
- Rectal temperatures were measured using a digital electronic thermometer.
Main Results:
- Mean ear temperature was 38.9°C (±0.90) and mean rectal temperature was 38.8°C (±0.80).
- A high correlation (0.994, p < 0.01) was found between ear and rectal temperatures.
- Parents showed a preference for tympanic thermometry due to its non-invasive nature, speed, and reduced patient resistance.
Conclusions:
- Tympanic membrane thermometry is an accurate and reliable alternative to rectal thermometry in febrile children.
- The non-invasive and user-friendly nature of tympanic thermometry makes it a preferred method for parents.
Objective:
To compare tympanic membrane temperature and rectal temperature in febrile pediatric patients.
Methods:
Sixty febrile children were enrolled as continuous enrollment at initial triage. Two readings of ear temperature were taken in each child with Thermoscan infrared thermometer. Rectal temperature was recorded by a digital electronic thermometer. Comparison of both the techniques was done and co-relation co-efficients calculated. Parental preference for both techniques was assessed.
Results:
It was observed that mean ear temperature was 38.9+/-0.90 C and that for rectal temperature was 38.8+/-0.80 degrees C. The correlation coefficient between the two was 0.994 (p < 0.01). Coefficients for both sites were comparable over a wide age range. The difference between readings taken from two ears was not significant. Temperature ranges over which readings were recorded were quite wide for both techniques. Parental preference for tympanic thermometry over rectal thermometry was noticed. Tympanic thermometry utilizes pyro-electric sensors, to detect infra-red rays emitted from the surface of tympanic membrane. Ear temperatures correlates well with rectal temperatures which have long been considered as "core" temperatures. Parents prefer the technique of ear thermometry which is quick (2 sec), safe and non-invasive and patient resistance for this is also less.
Conclusion:
A non-invasive, non-mucous device which is accurate over a wide range of temperature could be very useful.