TempWatchPeer-Reviewed PublicationObservational Study
Hypothermia Detection in Low Birth Weight Neonates Using a Novel Bracelet Device
Year
2019
Location
🇮🇳 Puducherry, India
Sample Size
461 LBW neonates
Investigators
Vasanthan Tanigasalam, B. Vishnu Bhat, B. Adhisivam, Bharathi Balachander, Harichandra Kumar
Institutions
JIPMER, Pondicherry
Published In
Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
Background & Methods
A prospective observational study at JIPMER, Pondicherry, evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the BEMPU TempWatch bracelet for hypothermia detection in LBW neonates compared to a standard digital thermometer. 461 neonates (birth weight < 2.5 kg) contributed paired temperature readings at regular intervals during their NICU stay.
Key Results
| Outcome / Metric | BEMPU Group | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | 98.6% | — |
| Specificity | 95.0% | — |
| Positive Predictive Value (PPV) | 83.6% | — |
| Negative Predictive Value (NPV) | 99.6% | — |
- 1Sensitivity of 98.6% — TempWatch correctly identified nearly all hypothermic episodes as measured by digital thermometer.
- 2NPV of 99.6% means a non-alerting device provides near-certainty that the infant is normothermic.
- 3Specificity of 95.0% indicates low false-positive alarm rates, reducing unnecessary interventions.
- 4JIPMER is one of India's premier medical institutions; this validation adds significant weight to the evidence base.
Why This Matters
This study from one of India's leading government medical institutions provides the strongest sensitivity data for TempWatch in the Indian LBW population. The near-perfect NPV (99.6%) is particularly relevant for NICU settings where a reliable 'all-clear' signal allows nursing staff to focus on other priorities.
How to Cite
Tanigasalam V, Bhat BV, Adhisivam B, Balachander B, Kumar H. Hypothermia detection in low birth weight neonates using a novel bracelet device. Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. 2019;32(16):2653-2656.
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