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Determining peripheral skin temperature: subjective versus objective measurements
Jennifer Tse1,2, Casey Rand1, Michael Carroll1,2
1Center for Autonomic Medicine in Pediatrics (CAMP), Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|November 27, 2015
Summary
A hand-held infrared device offers a more objective method for detecting peripheral skin temperature asymmetries in children compared to traditional physical exams. This technology aids in identifying potential chronic paediatric illness indicators.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Paediatric Health
- Thermography
Background:
- Peripheral skin temperature abnormalities can indicate underlying vascular or neurological conditions.
- Accurate assessment of peripheral temperature is crucial for diagnosing various illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of traditional physical examination techniques for assessing peripheral skin temperature.
- To determine if a hand-held infrared device can accurately estimate peripheral skin temperature and detect disparities.
Main Methods:
- Compared traditional physical exams by 30 healthcare professionals with a hand-held infrared device in 12 individuals (ages 4-25).
- Included 5 participants with known peripheral skin temperature disorders.
- Utilized thermal camera measurements as the reference standard.
Main Results:
- Healthcare professionals correctly identified generally warmer or colder extremities.
- Hand-held device measurements showed significant differences from reference temperatures (hands: 1.20°C, feet: 0.78°C).
- The device detected clinically significant temperature disparities (≥3.0°C) in 99% of cases, versus 76% for professionals.
Conclusions:
- The hand-held infrared device, despite differing from reference temperatures, is more accurate and objective than traditional exams.
- This device effectively identifies peripheral skin temperature asymmetries in children.
- Findings suggest utility in detecting potential indicators of chronic paediatric illness.
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