When body temperature changes, does rectal temperature lag?

J Pediatr. 2004 Jun;144(6):824-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2004.02.037.

Abstract

By using temporal artery and rectal thermometers, we followed temperatures in 45 febrile (>38.5 degrees C) infants given an antipyretic drug. Sixty and 90 minutes after drug administration, temporal artery temperatures had decreased significantly more than rectal temperatures. When body arterial temperature changes rapidly, changes in rectal temperature may lag.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / pharmacology*
  • Body Temperature / drug effects*
  • Fever / diagnosis*
  • Fever / drug therapy
  • Fever / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Rectum
  • Temporal Arteries
  • Thermometers*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic