Temperature Measurements and Distribution of Temperatures throughout the Body in Neonates

Abstract

Body temperature is one of the most traditionally and generally used terms in medicine and biology but without a precise working definition or thorough physiologic understanding (See below: Definitions). The reasons why body temperatures are measured are rarely considered and consequently it is difficult to choose from the many temperatures and the methods used to measure them (See below: Aims). These methods of temperature measurement have been described in detail and their accuracy and precision characterized but special problems arising in the newborn e.g in measuring esophageal or deep head temperature, have not been addressed (See below: Methods). There is no clear synopsis of temperatures synchronously measured in newborns and in particular in the sick infant who represents a different challenge in terms of measurement of tissue temperature (See below: Profiles in health and disease). Finally, there are no recommendations about which temperature or temperature set, from the many available, should be measured in which patient (See below: Recommendations). This article attempts to answer some of these questions.