Effectiveness of Left Infrascapular Skin Temperature Monitoring in the ICU

Lee, Young Joo; Gill, Hyun Jue; Chung, Kuem Hee; Hong, Jeong Yeon; Moon, Bong Ki; Kim, Myoung Eun; Choi, Min Hyup; Lee, Young Seok

Abstract

BACKGOUND: Many sites are used to measure the body temperature and each site has different physiologic and practical importance. Several types of skin temperature monitoring have been used as simple, inexpensive and viable alternatives in many settings. In the operating area, it is difficult to insert a temperature probe during operation. The object of this study was to compare the difference and the correlation between the temperature of the left infrascapular skin region and temperatures of axilla, nasopharynx and rectum,
METHODS
Forty-two adult patients who were admitted at surgical ICU were studied. After covering the bed with insulator and sheets, patients were placed in supine position. Temperature monitoring was done at the same time using four temperature probes from two bedside patient monitors in the same patient. The temperatures were measured twice at 30 minutes after application of the temperature probe at 10 minute intervals and the average temperature was recorded.
RESULTS
The differences between skin temperature and rectal, nasopharyngeal, and axillary temperatures were -0.64+/-0.21degrees C (p<0.05), -0.40+/-0.21degrees C, and 0.24+/-0.21degrees C respectively. The lineal correlation between skin temperature and rectal, nasopharyngeal, and axillary temperatures were 0.839, 0.854, and 0.819, respectively (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that the monitoring of the skin temperature at the left infrascapular skin region is well correlated with the nasopharyngeal, rectal and axillary temperatures. And it will be an easy, simple and safe method which can be used for the patients who are alert but need continuous temperature monitoring in the intensive care unit and as well as for the patients who are in the middle of operation.