The use of thermal imaging for evaluation of peripheral tissue perfusion in surgical patients with septic shock.

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ability of central-to-peripheral temperature gradients using thermal imaging to predict in-hospital mortality in surgical patients with septic shock.

Methods: This prospective observational study included adult patients with septic shock admitted to the intensive care unit postoperatively. Serum lactate (in mmol/L), capillary refill time (CRT) (in seconds), toe (peripheral) and canthal (central) temperature by infrared thermography and the corresponding room temperature in (Celsius [°C]) were assessed at the time of admission, 6- and 12 h after admission.