Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Newborn clinical condition assessment using infrared thermography: correlation with the Apgar score in a prospective
Mathilde Letouzey1, Samuel Diop2,3, Claude Elvire Pédié Kengoum2
1Service de Néonatalogie, Hôpital de Poissy St-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France.
Objectives:
The Apgar score remains subjective in key components despite its clinical importance. An objective method using infrared thermography could enhance neonatal assessment precision. To describe early surface thermal adaptation patterns during the first 10 min after birth using infrared thermography (IRT) and to benchmark these descriptive patterns against concurrently assigned Apgar scores. This feasibility study evaluates operational characteristics of IRT as a non-contact, objective adjunct to routine assessment; it does not establish prediction or clinical utility.
Study Design:
Prospective cohort of 223 full-term cesarean-delivered newborns at a tertiary maternity hospital (2021-2023). Whole-body IRT was captured at 1, 3, 5, and 10 min after birth (T1-T10). Infants were described by Apgar at 1 min (≤7 vs. ≥8).
Results:
Descriptive visualizations showed observable differences in early surface temperature distributions for infants with lower Apgar scores at 1 min, with progressive warming and convergence between groups over time. Early rectal (central) temperatures in the low-Apgar group were sparsely recorded due to clinical priorities and are presented for transparency only.
Conclusions:
IRT can visualize thermal adaptation during immediate neonatal transition and may serve as a non-contact, objective adjunct to clinical assessment. Further outcome-based validation in larger, more heterogeneous cohorts is needed before clinical implementation.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04483869.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...