Stanley SA, Divall P, Thompson JP, Charlton M. Uses of infrared thermography in acute illness: a systematic review.
Front Med (Lausanne) 2024;
11:1412854. [PMID:
38983367 PMCID:
PMC11232369 DOI:
10.3389/fmed.2024.1412854]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-contact, non-ionising imaging modality, providing a visual representation of temperature distribution across a surface.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search of indexed and grey literature for studies investigating IRT applications involving patients in acute care settings. Studies were categorised and described along themes identified iteratively using narrative synthesis. Quality appraisal of included studies was performed using the Quality Assessment tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.
Results
Of 1,060 unique records, 30 studies were included. These were conducted in emergency departments and intensive care units involving adult, paediatric and neonatal patients. IRT was studied for the diagnosis, monitoring or risk stratification of a wide range of individual conditions. IRT was predominantly used to display thermal change associated with localised inflammation or microcirculatory dysfunction. Existing research is largely at an early developmental stage.
Discussion
We recommend that high quality diagnostic validation studies are now required for some clinical applications. IRT has the potential to be a valuable tool in the acute care setting and represents an important area for future research particularly when combined with advances in machine learning technology.
Systematic review registration
CRD 42022327619 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=327619).
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