Clinical Features of Patients with COVID-19: is Temperature Screening Useful?

BACKGROUND: As many businesses reopen after government-induced restrictions, many public agencies and private companies, such as banks, golf courses, and stores, are using temperature screening to assess for possible coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection both for patrons and for employees. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the frequency of a fever ≥100.4°F and other symptoms associated with COVID-19 among patients in the emergency department (ED) who were tested in the ED for the illness. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of data from patients who were tested for acute COVID-19 infection from March 10, 2020 through June 30, 2020 at two EDs within the same health care system. Data collected included temperature, the presence or recent history of COVID-19-related symptoms, and COVID-19 test results. Descriptive statistics are reported for presenting fever and other COVID-19-related symptoms alone and in combination with presenting fever. RESULTS: A total of 6894 patients were tested for COVID-19. Among these, 330 (4.8%) tested positive for active infection. Of these patients, 64 (19.4%) presented with a fever ≥100.4°F (≥38.0°C). Increasing the number of COVID-19-related symptoms in combination with a presenting fever ≥100.4°F increased the number of people who could be identified as having a COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: About a quarter of patients who were tested positive for COVID-19 in our ED did not have a fever at presentation ≥100.4°F. Using only temperature to screen for COVID-19 in the community setting will likely miss the majority of patients with active disease.

Development of a skin temperature map for dermatomes in individuals with spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional study.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to map the skin temperature (Tsk) of individuals with SCI and compare able-bodied individuals, and among the groups to demonstrate the effects of differences in the levels of injury (paraplegia and tetraplegia with high and low injuries). SETTING: Outpatient clinic, Brazil. METHODS: Individuals with tetraplegia (n = 20), paraplegia (n = 21), and able-bodied (n = 11) individuals were recruited. A noncontact infrared thermometer (IRT) was used to measure three times the Tsk at the forehead, and at the C2 to S2 dermatomes. Core body temperature was measured at the axilla using the IRT and three other clinical thermometers. RESULTS: Autonomic regulation is impaired by the injury. A Tsk map was constructed for the three groups. Significant differences in the Tsk of dermatomes were observed when comparing individuals with SCI and the able-bodied at the following dermatomes: C3, C7, T2, T3, T8, T9, L1, L2, L4, and S2. When comparing individuals with tetraplegia and able-bodied individuals, the dermatomes that showed significant differences were C5, C6, C8, T1, T10, L3, and S1. Dermatomes C5-C7, and T5 showed significant differences between individuals with tetraplegia and those with paraplegia. For L5 and S1 in paraplegia significant differences were found when comparing high with low injury. CONCLUSION: A Tsk map on dermatomes in individuals with SCI was implemented, and showed a significant difference between able-bodied. As temperature is a parameter for analyzing autonomic function, the study could benefit rehabilitation by providing baseline values when constructing clinical protocols.

La temperatura del pie como factor predictivo de aparición de úlceras en la Diabetes Mellitus / Foot temperature as a predictor of ulcers in Diabetes Mellitus

El Pie Diabético es una de las complicaciones más importantes de la Diabetes Mellitus debido a la posibilidad que existe de sufrir una úlcera plantar que aboque a una amputación. La neuropatía periférica diabética acontece en un 60-70 % de los sujetos con Diabetes Mellitus y se caracteriza por un trastorno de la sensibilidad táctil y dolorosa, la alteración del umbral de vibración y de la percepción térmica para los umbrales de temperatura al calor y al frío. La temperatura de los pies de los sujetos con Diabetes Mellitus sin neuropatía periférica diabética es menor que con presencia de neuropatía periférica diabética. Se produce una correlación entre el aumento de la temperatura y la aparición de lesiones en los pies, debido a que la temperatura aumenta en las zonas de riesgo de ulceración por la propia inflamación y a la a utolisis enzimática de los tejidos, previa a la aparición de una ulceración de la artropatía de Charcot. Resultados: Actualmente se emplean dos tipos de técnicas de medición de la temperatura: termografía y termometría. Las pruebas de termografía se clasifican en placas superpuestas de cristal líquido termosensible e infrarrojos, y las pruebas de termometría se dividen en infrarrojos y los sensores térmicos. La valoración térmica se debe incluir en los protocolos de exploración neurológica de los pies en la Diabetes Mellitus por ser una prueba eficaz, no invasiva y disminuye la tasa de aparición de úlceras. Conclusiones: Se considera que una diferencia de 2,2º C, en el mismo punto de ambos pues de un sujeto, indica la aparición de lesiones propias del Pie Diabético, bien una ulceración si hay lesión, o una artropatía de Charcot. La evidencia científica indica que el control de la temperatura de los pies disminuye la tasa de ulceraciones en la Diabetes Mellitus. Abogamos por la inclusión de la valoración térmica en el protocolo de exploración de los sujetos con Diabetes Mellitus, debido a su efectividad en la prevención de ulceraciones y por su escaso tiempo de cribado

The Diabetic Foot is one of the most important complications of Diabetes Mellitus due to the possibility of suffering a plantar ulcer that leads to an amputation. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy occurs in 60-70 % of subjects with Diabetes Mellitus and is characterized by a disturbance of tactile and painful sensitivity, the alteration of the threshold of vibration and thermal perception for temperature thresholds to heat and cold. The temperature of the feet of subjects with Diabetes Mellitus without diabetic peripheral neuropathy is lower than with the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. There is a correlation between the increase in temperature and the appearance of lesions on the feet, because the temperature increases in the areas of risk of ulceration due to the inflammation itself and to the enzymatic autolysis of the tissues, prior to the appearance of a ulceration of Charcot arthropathy. Results: Currently, two types of temperature measurement techniques are used: thermography and thermometry. Thermography tests are classified into thermo sensitive infrared liquid crystal plates, and the thermometry tests are divided into infrared and thermal sensors. The thermal assessment should be included in the neurological examination protocols of the feet in Diabetes Mellitus because it is an effective, non-invasive test and decreases the rate of ulcer appearance. Conclusions: It is considered that a difference of 2.2º C, in the same point of both because of a subject, indicates the appearance of own injuries of the diabetic Foot, either an ulceration if there is an injury, or a Charcot arthropathy. Scientific evidence indicates that controlling the temperature of the feet decreases the rate of ulcerations in Diabetes Mellitus. We advocate the inclusion of thermal assessment in the protocol of exploration of subjects with Diabetes Mellitus, due to its effectiveness in the prevention of ulcerations and its short time of screening

Conocimiento y actuación de los padres sobre la fiebre / Knowledge and management of fever by parents

Objetivos: evaluar los conocimientos y actitudes que tienen los padres sobre la fiebre, así como la influencia de los aspectos familiares. Material y métodos: cuestionario distribuido a padres de dos áreas asistenciales con hijos de 1-5 años. Para variables cualitativas se aplicaron pruebas de asociación mediante el test X2; para las variables cuantitativas se aplicó la diferencia de medias mediante la t de Student o análisis de la varianza (ANOVA). Se consideró como valor estadísticamente significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: se analizaron 288 cuestionarios. El 50% de los encuestados tiene dos hijos. Trabaja el 64,5%. En el área urbana son de mayor edad y nivel de estudios (p < 0,001). Un 50,3% considera la fiebre mala, menos los de edad media superior (p < 0,05). El 67,7% utiliza termómetro electrónico. Consideran fiebre una temperatura de 37,7 ºC en axila. Ante la fiebre, el 58,3% utiliza en primer lugar un antitérmico. El 98,2% usa medidas físicas y el 49,3% de ellos piensa que mejoran la fiebre; las usan menos los que trabajan (p < 0,05). Los de estudios superiores quitan ropa y dan líquidos más que los de estudios primarios (p = 0,035). Los antitérmicos más empleados fueron paracetamol e ibuprofeno. Un 64,6% de los encuestados percibe diferencias en cuanto a eficacia. El 85,4% utiliza la dosis indicada por su pediatra y el 21,5%, la que indica la ficha técnica, sobre todo los de estudios superiores frente a los de estudios primarios (p < 0,05). El 67,4% alterna antitérmicos, siempre aconsejados por el pediatra. Conclusiones: globalmente, en la población estudiada existe un buen conocimiento y una actitud adecuada ante la fiebre (AU)

Objective: To assess parental knowledge and attitudes about fever and the influence of social and family aspects. Methods: Questionnaires distributed to parents of children 1-5 years old in two health districts. For qualitative variables association tests with X2 test were applied, and mean differences by Student’s t-distribution or analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for quantitative variables. It was considered statistically significant the value of p < 0.05. Results: There were 288 questionnaires analyzed. Fifty percent of respondents have 2 children, and 64.5% work. Older age and higher education levels were found in urban areas (p < 0.001). Fever was considered to be a bad thing by 50.3%, less so those with higher mean age (p < 0.05). Electronic thermometers was used in 67.7%, and 86.2% took armpit temperature considering 37.7 ºC as fever. When faced with fever, 58.3% of parents first use antipyretics. Physical measures are used in the first term by 98.2% and 49.3% think these measures lower the fever; they are used less by those parents who work (p < 0.05). Parents with higher education levels remove the clothing and give liquids more than those with primary education (p = 0.035). Most commonly used antipyretics are acetaminophen and ibuprofen; 64.6% perceived differences in efficiency; 65.4% think that ibuprofen is more effective than acetaminophen. Most parents use the dosage prescribed by the pediatrician (85.4%), and 21.5% use the dosage specified in the leaflet, especially those with higher education levels, compared to parents with primary education (p < 0.05). They sometimes alternate antipyretics (67.4%), always following the advice of their pediatrician. Conclusions: There is an overall good knowledge and attitudes about fever (AU)

Sistemas de medición de la temperatura corporal / Systems of measurement of body temperature

La medición de la temperatura corporal es una práctica frecuente en el ámbito asistencial. Existen variados instrumentos de medición, que van desde los más sencillos termómetros de cristal a los más sofisticados electrónicos, que posibilitan su control en diferentes zonas corporales. En este artículo se presentan las ventajas e inconvenientes de los diferentes termómetros que están actualmente en el mercado(AU)

Measuring body temperature is a common practice in the area of care. There are various measuring instruments, ranging from simple glass thermometers to sophisticated electronics that allow measurement in different body sites. This article presents the advantages and disadvantages of different thermometers are currently on the market(AU)

[The choice of the method for body temperature measurement in intensive care patients: a literature review]. / La scelta del metodo per la misurazione della temperatura corporea nel paziente ricoverato in terapia intensiva: una revisione della letteratura.

INTRODUCTION: Measuring body temperature in intensive care patients is a routine nursing task, but there is no common practice regarding the site of measurement. AIM: to identify which method is most suitable and therefore advisable in critical patients METHODS: the available databases were consulted and the pertinent literature was reviewed. RESULTS: many studies have been performed regarding the different methods, more or less invasive, of body temperature monitoring and their accuracy, reliability and patient tolerability . CONCLUSIONS: in the literature , it is agreed that the gold standard site for body temperature measurement is the pulmonary, femoral or brachial artery but that further studies are necessary in this field.

Termometría: aplicación en la práctica diaria / Thermometry: use in day practice

El termómetro ha sido un instrumento útil en la monitorización de temperatura, que en contexto con otros signos vitales, ayuda a la distinción de salud y enfermedad, siendo una excelente guía en el curso de ella

New trends in thermometry for the patient in the ICU.

Modern engineering and space-age technology introduce innovations in thermometry at a crucial time in critical care history. Today's assessment and care decisions are based, in part, on emerging scientific evidence about thermoregulatory responses. Accurate body temperature measurements and the correct interpretation of their meaning are crucial for competent care. Confusion exists as to which instrument or site is "ideal." Interpretation of temperature correlations, between temperature sites or without consideration of linearity, has little meaning outside the clinical context. This article discusses hemodynamic and thermal conditions influencing regional body temperatures along with instrument accuracy, reliability, linearity, precision, safety, comfort, and need for staff training.