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Axillary and rectal temperature measurements in infants
C J Morley1, P H Hewson, A J Thornton
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Rectal temperature measurement is more accurate for infants than axillary temperature. Studies show rectal temperature is safer and more reliable for detecting fever in infants under six months old.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatal Care
- Clinical Thermometry
Background:
- Accurate infant temperature monitoring is crucial for early disease detection.
- Previous concerns existed regarding the safety and reliability of rectal temperature measurement in infants.
- Axillary temperature measurements are commonly used but their accuracy compared to rectal is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy and reliability of rectal versus axillary temperature measurements in infants.
- To establish normal temperature ranges for both rectal and axillary measurements in infants.
- To assess the safety of rectal temperature measurement in a large infant cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 281 infants at home and 656 infants in a hospital setting.
- Simultaneous rectal and axillary temperature measurements were taken using mercury-in-glass thermometers.
- Data analysis focused on temperature ranges, differences between methods, and sensitivity for fever detection.
Main Results:
- Normal rectal temperature range: 36.7-37.9°C; axillary range: 35.6-37.2°C.
- Rectal temperatures were higher than axillary in 98% of cases, with a mean difference of 0.7°C.
- Axillary temperature sensitivity for detecting fever (compared to rectal) was only 73%, deemed insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Rectal temperature measurement is the preferred method for accurately assessing infant temperature.
- Axillary temperature measurement is too insensitive for reliable fever detection in infants.
- Rectal thermometry is a safe procedure in infants, with extremely low risk of complications.