title: Infrared thermography for detailed registration of thermoregulation in premature infants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate skin temperature by using different positions with non-contact infrared thermography (IRT) in multiple body areas of preterm infants for detailed information about temperature regulation and distribution.
  
  
  METHODS
  The temperature of ten premature infants (median: 27 weeks; age 36 days; weight 1322 g) was determined via IRT (leg, back, arm, head, upper abdomen; diameter 1 cm, scale 0.00°C), and comparison was made with two conventional sensors. There were measurements of 10 min each: first incubator phase (I1), standardized skin-to-skin care (SSC) at the beginning (SSC1), after 90 min (SSC2), and then there was a second incubator phase (I2).
  
  
  RESULTS
  From I1 to SSC1, patients cooled down (max. 0.62°C; both methods). From SSC1 to SSC2 temperature on central areas (abdomen, back) was maintained but rose distinctively on the head and leg (P<0.05). In the incubator (I2), temperature niveau in all IRT-areas was significantly lower than before SSC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Via IRT, it is possible to detect fluctuations in temperature of premature infants. The cooling in I2 after SSC should be taken into account before routine daily care.
authors: Department of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Germany. kheimann@ukaachen.de
authors: Konrad
authors: K
authors: Heimann
authors: Katrin
authors: K
authors: Jergus
authors: Abbas Khudair
authors: AK
authors: Abbas
authors: Nicole
authors: N
authors: Heussen
authors: Steffen
authors: S
authors: Leonhardt
authors: Thorsten
authors: T
authors: Orlikowsky
mesh_terms: D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007186:Incubators, Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D007259:Infrared Rays; D060127:Kangaroo-Mother Care Method; D008297:Male; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013817:Thermography / Q000379:methods*