Infrared thermography to predict erector spinae plane block success in children having unilateral inguinal hernia repair
Infrared Thermography for Prediction of Successful Erector Spinae Plane Block in Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Paediatric Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
This project will test whether temperature changes seen on a thermal camera can tell if an erector spinae plane block worked in children aged 3 months to 6 years having unilateral inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 69 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Months to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07161375 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study will enroll children aged 3 months to 6 years (ASA I–II) undergoing elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair at Cairo University. Participants will receive ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane blocks under general anesthesia while infrared thermography records temperature changes (ΔT) at predefined time points. The recorded ΔT values will be compared with clinical indicators of block success and any need for rescue analgesia to determine predictive accuracy. The aim is to determine whether early thermal changes reliably indicate a successful block so clinicians can apply rescue techniques or proceed confidently.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 3 months to 6 years, ASA physical status I–II, scheduled for elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair whose parents or guardians consent and who have no contraindications to regional anesthesia are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with skin conditions that interfere with thermal imaging, baseline fever above 37.5 °C, coagulopathy, infection at the injection site, known allergy to local anesthetics, preexisting neuropathy, or those in emergency or re-do cases are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this method could provide a quick, noninvasive way to confirm block success early, improving pain control and operating room efficiency.
How similar studies have performed: Similar uses of infrared thermography to predict peripheral or regional nerve-block success have shown promising results in adults, though pediatric-specific data remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age from 3 months to 6 years. * Both genders. * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I-II. * Children undergoing elective unilateral open inguinal hernia surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * Parents' or guardians' refusal * Known Allergy to local anesthetics. * Coagulopathy \[international normalised ratio (INR) \>1.4 or platelets \<75.000\]. * Infection at the site of injection or wound close to the puncture site. * preexisting neuropathy (with sensory and/or motor deficits). * Diseases interfere with thermal imaging (as skin infections). * Baseline oesophageal body temperature of more than 37.5 °C. * Emergency and re-do cases will be excluded.
Where this trial is running
Cairo
- Cairo University — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marwa A Abdelfatah, Master
- Email: Marote7a@gmail.com
- Phone: 00201065276941
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.