Temperature Changes in Skin and Muscle of Lower Extremities Following Intravenous Injections of Typhoid Vaccine. ∗

Intravenous injections of typhoid vaccine have been used extensively in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases. 1 2 3 4 Since our previous studies showed that the temperature of the skin and muscles of the lower extremities is not altered in a parallel manner by certain other procedures, a study of the effect produced by typhoid vaccine on these 2 structures seemed desirable. This study was limited to the changes noted in the calf muscles and skin of the feet. The range of fever employed was from 99 to 101°F, since higher temperatures are usually avoided in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases.

The initial intravenous dose of typhoid vaccine was five million microörganisms. In some individuals this amount was inadequate to produce any reaction and it was progressively increased until the systemic temperature was raised 2 or 3°F. The temperatures of the skin surface and calf muscles were observed independently. Thermocouple needles were inserted into the calf muscles and preliminary temperature stabilization was obtained in each case. All skin surface temperature readings were made on the plantar surface of the distal phalanx of the great toe. The skin surface and calf muscle temperatures were recorded at 10-minute intervals for a period of 2 1/2 to 5 hours after the reaction. The rectal temperature was obtained by means of an automatic registering resistance rectal thermometer. The reaction usually occurred from 60 to 90 minutes after the injection. Most of the patients complained of feeling a little cooler for a period of from 15 to 20 minutes but had no marked chills. In some the chills and tremors were violent.

Twenty-eight cases were studied in this manner. In the majority of cases a rise in systemic temperature began about an hour after the injection.