Temperature measured at the axilla compared with rectum in children and young people: systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the agreement between temperature measured at the axilla and rectum in children and young people.

Design

A systematic review of studies comparing temperature measured at the axilla (test site) with temperature measured at the rectum (reference site) using the same type of measuring device at both sites in each patient. Devices were mercury or electronic thermometers or indwelling thermocouple probes.

Studies reviewed

40 studies including 5528 children and young people from birth to 18 years.

Data extraction

Difference in temperature readings at the axilla and rectum.

Results

20 studies (n=3201 (58%) participants) had sufficient data to be included in a meta-analysis. There was significant residual heterogeneity in both mean differen

SUBMITTER: Craig JV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC27359 | biostudies-literature | 2000 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature