Measuring Core Body Temperature Using a Non-invasive, Disposable Double-Sensor During Targeted Temperature Management in PCAT

Accurate measurement of the core body temperature during targeted temperature management after return of spontaneous circulation is mandatory, large temperature fluctuations may result in electrolyte imbalances or infections. 

The purpose of a new study published in Frontiers in Medicine was to test a disposable, non-invasive temperature sensor—using the heat flux approach (Double Sensor)—against the standard method – an esophagus thermometer.

Here, a sensor was placed on the forehead of 25 adult patients, of mean age 61 years, who had return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest—undergoing targeted temperature management.

The t-test showed no significant difference between the two measuring methods. Bland-Altman results revealed a mean bias of 0.02°C and 95% limits of agreement of −1.023°C and 1.066°C. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.94. No skin irritation or allergic reaction was noted wat the site of sensor placement. Meanwhile, in six patients the bias differed noticeably from rest of the participants, but no sex-based or ethnicity-based differences could be identified. Additionally, influences on the measurements of the Double Sensor by drugs administered could also be ruled out.

The results demonstrated that measuring the core body temperature with the non-invasive, disposable sensor shows excellent reliability during targeted temperature management after survived cardiac arrest. 

Source: Frontiers in Medicine.2021; 8: 666908. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.666908