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Skin temperature and chronic venous insufficiency.
Teresa J Kelechi1, Barbara K Haight, JoAnne Herman
1College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, USA. kelechtj@musc.edu
Summary
Adults with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) showed higher lower leg skin temperatures than those without CVI. This finding suggests skin temperature may help assess CVI progression and potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Dermatology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects a significant portion of the aging population.
- Accurate assessment of CVI progression is crucial for timely intervention.
- Non-invasive diagnostic parameters are valuable in clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lower leg skin temperatures in older adults with and without chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
- To establish normative ranges for lower leg skin temperature in this demographic.
- To explore the potential of skin temperature as a clinical assessment tool for CVI.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive comparative study design was employed.
- Sixty-six adults aged 50+ participated, with CVI subjects exhibiting stage 4-5 signs and controls showing no signs.
- Infrared dermal thermometry measured skin temperature at four lower leg sites after acclimatization.
Main Results:
- Individuals with CVI demonstrated significantly higher skin temperatures at all four measured lower leg sites compared to the control group (89.9°F vs. 88.1°F, P=.004).
- The study established specific temperature ranges for older adults with and without CVI.
- Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated lower leg skin temperature is a notable indicator in adults with CVI.
- Skin temperature measurement may serve as a valuable nursing assessment parameter.
- Monitoring skin temperature could aid in evaluating the worsening of CVI or the onset of complications like venous ulcers.