Skin temperature and core-peripheral temperature gradient as markers of hemodynamic status in critically ill patients: a review.

Objective: To examine the evidential basis underpinning the monitoring of skin temperature and core-peripheral temperature gradient as elements of hemodynamic assessment in critically ill and adult cardiac surgical patients.

Methods: Twenty-six studies examining the efficacy of skin temperature or temperature gradient as markers of hemodynamic status were selected as part of an integrative review.

Results: Evidence pertaining to the efficacy of these parameters as markers of cardiac function is equivocal and has not been well appraised in the adult cardiac surgical population.

Skin temperature as a noninvasive marker of haemodynamic and perfusion status in adult cardiac surgical patients: an observational study.

Objective: Foot temperature has long been advocated as a reliable noninvasive measure of cardiac output despite equivocal evidence. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the relationship between noninvasively measured skin temperature and the more invasive core-peripheral temperature gradients (CPTGs), against cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, serum lactate, and base deficit.

Research Methodology: The study was of a prospective, observational and correlational design.