Published Paper Details:

Background and Aim: Perfusion index (PI) is a relatively new parameter estimating the pulsatility of blood in the extremities, calculated using infrared spectrum as part of plethysmography waveform processing. Hypotension during propofol induction is a common problem. The aim of this study was to detect whether a baseline PI >3.5 predicts the development of hypotension after propofol induction. Methods: sixty patients of (ASA) physical status I-II of both sexes, aged between 18 to 60 years, equally divided in to two groups, Group A (PI<3.5,n=30) and Group B (PI>3.5, n=30), undergoing elective surgical procedures were enrolled in this observational study. PI, heart rate, blood pressure (BP) and oxygen saturation were recorded every minute from baseline to 10 min following induction of anaesthesia with propofol, and after endotracheal intubation. Hypotension was defined as fall in systolic BP (SBP) by >30% of baseline or mean arterial pressure (MAP) to <60 mm Hg. Results: Within first 10 min after induction, the incidence and severity of hypotension was higher in patients in group B whose baseline PI values were greater than 3.5. The mean heart rate, mean systolic blood pressure and mean diastolic blood pressure was found to be lower in patients of Group B after the intubation while patients of Group A did not show much variation with p value of < 0.05. Conclusion: Perfusion Index (PI) can be used as a tool for predicting hypotension in healthy patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia. Patients with baseline PI >3.5 (Group II) are at higher risk of developing hypotension compared to those with baseline PI ?3.5 (Group I).