Work

Core temperature measurement methods and their accuracy in pediatric intensive care units: a narrative review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Background: Accurate core temperature monitoring in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) is crucial for assessing health status, guiding therapies, and predicting outcomes. Objective: To review core temperature measurement methods and their accuracy in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), with emphasis on emerging non-invasive technologies. Content: We compare commonly used peripheral, non-invasive, and invasive techniques (including temporal artery, tympanic, zero-heat-flux thermometry, infrared thermography, and esophageal/rectal/bladder/nasopharyngeal sites) and summarize factors that affect agreement with core temperature under critical illness. Conclusion: Accurate temperature assessment supports timely diagnosis and therapy guidance. Evidence to date suggests that zero-heat-flux thermometry and infrared thermography are promising for continuous, non-invasive monitoring, but require further validation across pediatric ages and clinical scenarios.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2026.1800625

Authors: Huilian Chen, Hongyuan Huang, Junjie Ning, Yinhui Li, Lina Qiao

Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Thermal Regulation in Medicine

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801