Alterations of oximetry-derived perfusion index in neonatal brachial plexus injury

INTRODUCTION: As we know that perfusion index is increased in nerve blocked area in regional anesthesia and it is used for predicting successful intervention; we hypothesized that, in neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP), perfusion index may alter in the affected arm
METHODS: Prospectively, 11 patients with defective Moro reflex and were diagnosed as NBPP were included. Demographic data were collected and perfusion indices were measured from affected and non-affected limbs in the 24th hour of postnatal life. Measurements were statistically compared. Increase rate of PI was also calculated and the increment of PI in patients with and without clavicle fracture was compared.
RESULTS: PI values were statistically higher in affected extremity compared to not-affected extremity. (mean±SD, 2.47±0.74, 1.83±0.66 respectively, p=0.0003). There was no difference in patients with or without clavicle fracture.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In the future, maybe PI can be evaluated as a prognostic factor for neurologic dysfunction in NBPP and a predictor for early surgical intervention with larger studies.