Thermal imaging as a screening tool for infections in neonates
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can thermal imaging scans (neoscans) be used to screen neonates on a neonatal unit for infections with specific reference to premature babies with necrotising enterocolitis?
IRAS ID
145347
Contact name
Shammi Ramlakhan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 19 days
Research summary
Surgical and medical neonates are prone to contract infections which can be difficult to detect in their early stages especially in premature neonates with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Such infections are more likely to cause septicaemia in this age group than older age groups with the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Currently there is no reliable indicator for surgical intervention in cases of NEC without perforation.
The acute inflammatory response which accompanies these infections is accompanied by a rise in the temperature of the local soft tissues. As the skin of neonates is much thinner than the skin in older children, we postulate that the use of high resolution thermal imaging (resolution 0.08C) will indicate the onset of infection before clinical signs are evident. The thermal map will allow development of indicators for surgical intervention.
We plan to undertake daily thermal scans with a thermal imaging camera of neonates whose parents have consented to their taking part following routine nappy change. The results of the thermal scan will be compared with the clinical impression of the neonates clinical condition by the medical staff and nursing staff undertaking their care. It is hoped that the thermal scan will reveal infections earlier than clinical assessment and allow earlier intervention with antibiotics with the aim to reduce morbidity and mortality. A control group of newborns which are age and sex matched will also be undertaken.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0006
Date of REC Opinion
16 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion