An observational study in Infrared, Thermography and Prediction, sponsored by Cairo University. Recruiting at 1 site in Egypt. Open to participants aged 3 Months to 6 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-09-08.
Sponsored by Cairo University · Observational
This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of temperature change (ΔT) measurements using infrared thermography to predict a successful erector spinae plane block in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia.
Lower abdominal surgeries, including inguinal hernia repair, have been performed extensively in the daily practice of pediatric surgeries, so ensuring sufficient intra- and post-operative analgesia is crucial for perioperative care.
The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a regional anesthetic technique. Early detection of successful ESPB in pediatric patients will enable the application of rescue techniques at the appropriate time, thereby improving patient satisfaction and reducing operating theatre time.
There is considerable evidence regarding the value of infrared thermography in predicting successful nerve blocks. Infrared thermography is the process of using a thermal image to detect radiation (heat) coming from an object, converting it to temperature, and displaying an image of the temperature distribution.
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The study will be conducted at Kasr Al Ainy, Abu El Reesh children hospital.
Exclusion Criteria:
Children undergoing elective unilateral open inguinal hernia surgery.
Device: Infrared Thermography
Infrared thermography will be used to predict the success of an erector spinae block by measuring the temperature difference between the blocked and unblocked sides.
Predict successful ESPB
The ability to predict a successful erector spinae plane block by infrared thermography through the change in temperature (ΔT) (degrees Celsius) between the blocked and unblocked sides of the same dermatomal level in the mid-clavicular line throughout 20 minutes of block.
Time frame: Throughout 20 minutes of block
Degree of pain
Degree of pain will be assessed using Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) score. Each category is scored from 0 to 2, resulting in a total pain score from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and higher scores represent increasing pain levels. FLACC will be recorded at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min, 6 and 12 hours after surgery.
Time frame: 12 hours after surgery
Heart rate
Heart rate will be recorded 5 min after intubation, then every 5 min after block 5,10,15, and 20 min, then at skin incision, immediately after extubation, 15 min after extubation, and every 15 minutes in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (30,45, and 60 minutes) till discharge of the patient.
Time frame: Till discharge of the patient (Up to 12 hours)
Systolic blood pressure
Systolic blood pressure will be recorded 5 min after intubation, then every 5 min after block 5,10,15, and 20 min, then at skin incision, immediately after extubation, 15 min after extubation, and every 15 minutes in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (30,45, and 60 minutes) till discharge of the patient.
Time frame: Till discharge of the patient (Up to 12 hours)
Mean arterial blood pressure
Mean arterial blood pressure will be recorded 5 min after intubation, then every 5 min after block 5,10,15, and 20 min, then at skin incision, immediately after extubation, 15 min after extubation, and every 15 minutes in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (30,45, and 60 minutes) till discharge of the patient.
Time frame: Till discharge of the patient (Up to 12 hours)
Number of doses of rescue analgesia
Number of doses of rescue analgesia will be recorded.
Time frame: 12 hours after surgery
Incidence of adverse events
Incidence of adverse events will be recorded.
Time frame: 12 hours after surgery
Plan to share: Yes — The data will be available upon a reasonable request from the corresponding author after the end of study for one year.
Supporting information: Study protocol
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
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Cairo University