[The prognostic and informative value of temperature differences in thermal shock]

In thermal shock patients thermoregulation impairment occurs through peripheral and central mechanisms. Rather significant temperature differences between the single parts of the body are produced. The study covers 25 patients in thermal shock phase, including 11 adults and 14 children. The ages of the patients range from 15 months to 50 years, with burnt surface from 15 to 50 percent. The dynamic patterns of the listed below indicators are followed up: oral, rectal, skin and roop temperatures, and relative humidity of the room. In patients with shock running a mild course the oral-skin and rectal-skin temperatures return to normal as early as within 24 hours. In extensive burns, irrespective of infusional and drug treatment, temperature differences within the limits 12 degrees-14 degrees C persist. Based on the study results an assessment is made of the prognostic relevance of the indicators proposed.