S. G. Holt, J. H. Yo, C. Karschimkus, F. Volpato, S. Christov, E. R. Smith, T. D. Hewitson, L. J. Worth and P. Champion De Crespigny
Abstract
Background: Measuring temperature has always been a key observation in the diagnosis of infection. No studies have examined the usefulness of measuring temperature at the wrist to detect infection
Aim and hypothesis: We sought to determine whether a watch measuring wrist temperature could accurately identify patients who are infected.
Methods: Prospective cross‐sectional pilot study of temperature monitoring in an unselected patients in a tertiary referral adult nephrology unit.
Results: 104 data recording sessions revealed 88 useful data sets, with recording failures in the others. Patients were retrospectively classified as having no infection (Group A, n=60), clinically diagnosed infection with less than 24 hours of treatment with antibiotics (Group B, n=5), and clinically diagnosed infection with >24 hours on antibiotics (Group C, n=23). There was a significantly higher average maximum temperature in Group B (Mean (SEM)) 38°C (0.6) compared with Groups A (36.1°C(0.1)) and C (36.3°C(0.3)). Based on ROC analysis a cut‐off temperature of >=37.5°C gave sensitivity 80% specificity 98%. Mean electrodermal activity (EDA) was significantly higher in groups B and C. Receiver operating characteristics of peripheral skin temperature measurements suggest that such a device may identify many patients requiring treatment for infection.
Conclusions: Receiver operating characteristics of peripheral skin temperature measurements suggest that such a device may identify many patients requiring treatment for infection. This proof of principle study showed value in using a wearable device in the detection of infection and its potential as an early warning or monitoring device.
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Citation: Holt, S.G., Yo, J.H., Karschimkus, C., Volpato, F., Christov, S., Smith, E.R., Hewitson, T.D., Worth, L.J., Champion De Crespigny, P. (2020). Monitoring skin temperature at the wrist in hospitalised patients may assist in the detection of infection. Internal Medicine Journal. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.14748.
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