Application of Infrared Thermography in Early Screening of Sepsis and Prediction of Septic Shock Risk: A Systematic Review

Background: Infrared thermography (IRT), a noninvasive imaging modality capable of capturing micron-level temperature variations (resolution up to 0.03°C) and generating thermal maps, has demonstrated unique value in dynamically reflecting physiological and pathological states. Recent studies have explored its potential as a diagnostic tool for sepsis. This review assesses the feasibility of IRT in detecting sepsis and septic shock. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using combinations of keywords ("infrared thermography," "thermal imaging," "sepsis," "septic shock," "shock") in titles, abstracts, or topics. Articles published after 2015 were included. Results: After applying exclusion criteria, 11 studies were analyzed. Most findings highlighted IRT's efficacy in early sepsis detection, disease progression monitoring, and prognostic evaluation. Conclusion: IRT serves as a valuable tool for early diagnosis and monitoring of sepsis, with significant potential for broader clinical adoption. Further standardization and technical refinement are required to enhance its reliability in critical care settings.