title: Infrared transtympanic temperature measurement and otitis media with effusion.
abstract: Body temperature is an important clinical measurement. It can be estimated by sublingual, rectal, axillary or skin measurement. Pulmonary artery temperature measurement is the gold standard in the research setting, but is obviously inapplicable for routine clinical use. Infrared estimation of core temperature at the tympanic membrane has been proposed as an effective and accurate method. We investigate whether the common condition of childhood otitis media with effusion (OME) interferes with this mode of body temperature measurement. Ninety-five children undergoing grommet tube insertion were assessed preoperatively by axillary and transtympanic routes. The presence or absence of middle ear fluid was noted at the time of surgery. Analysis of the data showed no influence of OME on the measurement of body temperature by the transtympanic route compared with axillary measurement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Epsom & St. Helier NHS Trust, Epsom General Hospital, KT18 7EG, Epsom, UK. robb@uk-consultants.co.uk
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Robb
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shahab
mesh_terms: D001365:Axilla; D001831:Body Temperature; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004432:Ear, Middle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008297:Male; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013821:Thermometers