Newborn clinical condition assessment using infrared thermography: correlation with the Apgar score in a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The Apgar score remains subjective in key components despite its clinical importance. An objective method using infrared thermography could enhance neonatal assessment precision. To describe early surface thermal adaptation patterns during the first 10 min after birth using infrared thermography (IRT) and to benchmark these descriptive patterns against concurrently assigned Apgar scores. This feasibility study evaluates operational characteristics of IRT as a non-contact, objective adjunct to routine assessment; it does not establish prediction or clinical utility.

Study design

Prospective cohort of 223 full-term cesarean-delivered newborns at a tertiary maternity hospital (2021-2023). Whole-body IRT was captured at 1, 3, 5, and 10 min after birth (T1-T10). Infant

SUBMITTER: Letouzey M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12741121 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature