Alterations of Oximetry-Derived Perfusion Index in Neonatal Brachial Plexus Injury

Abstract

Aim:As we know, the perfusion index (PI) increases in nerve blocked areas in regional anesthesia and this is used to predict successful intervention, we hypothesized that, in neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP), PI may alter in the affected arm.Materials and Methods:Prospectively, 11 patients with defective Moro reflex diagnosed as NBPP were included in this study. Their demographic data were collected and perfusion indices were measured from both the affected and non-affected limbs in the 24th hour of postnatal life. These measurements were statistically compared. The increased 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 extremities compared to not-affected extremities (mean ± standard deviation, 2.47±0.74, 1.83±0.66 respectively, p=0.0003). There was no difference in patients with or without clavicle fracture.Conclusion:In the future, PI may be evaluated as a prognostic factor for neurologic dysfunction in NBPP and be used as a predictor for early surgical intervention.

Keywords

• perfusion index
• neonatal brachial plexus injury
• newborn
• peripheral nerve