Skin temperature as a noninvasive marker of haemodynamic and perfusion status in adult cardiac surgical patients: an observational study.
OBJECTIVE
Foot temperature has long been advocated as a reliable noninvasive measure of cardiac output despite equivocal evidence. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the relationship between noninvasively measured skin temperature and the more invasive core-peripheral temperature gradients (CPTGs), against cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, serum lactate, and base deficit.


METHODS
The study was of a prospective, observational and correlational design. Seventy-six measurements were recorded on 10 adults postcardiac surgery. Haemodynamic assessments were made via bolus thermodilution. Skin temperature was measured objectively via adhesive probes, and subjectively using a three-point scale.


METHODS
The study was conducted within a tertiary level intensive care unit.


RESULTS
Cardiac output was a significant predictor for objectively measured skin temperature and CPTG (p=.001 and p=.004, respectively). Subjective assessment of skin temperature was significantly related to cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and serum lactate (p<.001, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the utilisation of skin temperature as a noninvasive marker of cardiac output and perfusion. The use of CPTG was shown to be unnecessary, given the parallels in results with the less invasive skin temperature parameters. A larger study is however required to validate these findings.
Schey
Bernadette M
BM
Intensive Care Unit, St. Vincent's & Mercy Private Hospital, 59-61 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria 3065, Australia. bernadette.schey@bigpond.com.au
Williams
David Y
DY
Bucknall
Tracey
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013815:Thermodilution / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing