Respiratory Rate Measurement in Children Using a Thermal Imaging Camera

Respiratory rate is a vital physiological measurement used in the immediate assessment of unwell children. Convenient electronic devices exist for measurement of pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and temperature. Although devices which measure respiratory rate exist, none has entered everyday clinical practice. An accurate device which has no physical contact with the child is important to ensure readings are not affected by distress. A thermal imaging camera to monitor respiratory rate in children was evaluated. Facial thermal images of 20 children (age: median=6.5 years, range 6 months-17 years) were included in the study. Recordings were performed while the children slept comfortably on a bed for a duration of two minutes. Values obtained using the thermal imaging camera were compared with those obtained from standard methods: nasal thermistor, respiratory impedance plethysmography and transcutaneous CO2. Median respiratory rate measurements per minute were 21.0 (range 15.5-34.0) using thermal imaging and 19.0 (range 15.334.0) using standard methods. A close correlation (r 2 = 0.994) was observed between the thermal imaging and the standard methods. The thermal imaging camera is an accurate, objective non-invasive device which can be used to measure respiratory rate in children.