Use of Peripheral Perfusion Index Derived From the Pulse Oximetry Signal as a Noninvasive Indicator of Perfusion

Conclusion

Our results show that the PFI in normal populations has a highly skewed distribution. The best discriminating value to detect an abnormal peripheral perfusion in critically ill patients equals the median value of normal volunteers but nevertheless can adequately reflect the presence of clinical indicators of poor peripheral perfusion in critically ill patients. Changes in these clinical indicators are reflected by changes in the PFI. Therefore, this easily obtainable and noninvasive method may have a role in monitoring peripheral perfusion in critically ill patients.

Crit Care Med. 2002;30(6) © 2002  Lippincott Williams & Wilkins