💬In plain words
What the trial is, and whether it could suit you
This is a pilot proof of feasibility study to explore the efficacy of High Resolution Infrared Thermographic Imaging (HRTI) to assist with the detection of musculoskeletal infections in children. In HRTI, a sensitive thermal camera is used to capture the temperature profile of the suspected infected body region in the form of images. In this study, a 10-second video will be recorded to allow dynamic monitoring. The resulting video will be processed and interpreted to determine whether there is a musculoskeletal infection.
Bone, joint and soft tissue infections can be caused by bacteria which can enter the body through accidental injuries, or because of surgery or implants. Once in the body, they circulate through the bloodstream until they reach a bone, joint, or muscle, multiply and cause infection. These conditions can cause significant complications in children and adults and can eve
Sign in to get the eligibility rules as simple questions to take to your doctor.
📋 Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria:
* Children and young people from neonates to 15 years of age:
* With clinical suspicion of a primary MSK infection (irrespective of location or aetiology), as defined by presenting symptoms, physical examination and bloodwork performed by a qualified clinician.
* Presenting to Sheffield Children's Hospital via A\&E or referral from another hospital.
* Who are able to interpret the information given in the information sheet/assent form on paper in English (with the exception of children under the age of 3 years who are not required to assent.)
* With at least 1 competent legal guardian who is capable of legally consenting, and interpreting the information given in the information sheet in English.
* Where a medical doctor involved in their care has agreed that their participation in the study will not negatively impact on their treatment outcome
Exclusion Criteria:
* \- Have a secondary MSK infection.
* Are severely ill or need urgent/critical attention or have comorbid conditions that will complicate their care, as decided by a medical doctor involved in their treatment.
* Patients with conditions including but not limited to leukaemia, hyper/hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or any other condition that affects their basal metabolic rate/body temperature.
* Amputees where the amputated region is contralateral to the region of suspected infection.
* Have received an a priori diagnosis or have already undergone any investigation. This includes patients admitted for a recurrence/exacerbation of recently diagnosed MSK infection.
* Any patient where the medical team responsible for their treatment raises concerns that HRTI could negatively impact their treatment outcome.
* The patient, or their legal guardian(s) do not consent or assent/withdraw consent or assent/ or are not able to consent or assent for any reason. (Eg. The patient/guardian(s) are non-English speakers or have disabilities impairing their understanding of the study.)
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