Review finds zero-heat-flux and infrared thermography promising for pediatric ICU temperature monitoring

A narrative review examined core temperature measurement methods and their accuracy in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). The review compared peripheral, non-invasive, and invasive techniques for temperature monitoring in this population. The main finding was that zero-heat-flux thermometry and infrared thermography appear promising for continuous, non-invasive monitoring, though specific accuracy data, effect sizes, and statistical measures were not reported in the review.

Safety and tolerability data for these methods were not reported in the review. The review's key limitation is that these promising methods require further validation across different pediatric ages and various clinical scenarios encountered in PICUs. Sample size, follow-up duration, and specific study designs of the included evidence were not detailed.

For practice, accurate temperature assessment supports timely diagnosis and therapy guidance in critically ill children. However, this review provides only preliminary evidence about measurement methods. The association between method and accuracy is based on reviewed evidence, not definitive conclusions. Clinicians should note that while these non-invasive methods show promise, they are not yet fully validated for routine clinical use across the pediatric ICU population.