From the Research
Perfusion Index as a Marker for Heart Failure Exacerbations
- Changes in perfusion index (PI) can serve as an early marker for heart failure (HF) exacerbations, as it reflects microcirculatory blood flow perfusion and indicates the severity and prognosis of sepsis 1.
- The PI has been shown to be negatively associated with in-hospital mortality, coagulation markers, myocardial injury markers, lactate concentration, mechanical ventilation time, and length of ICU stay 1.
- Clinical phenotypes of acute heart failure based on signs and symptoms of perfusion and congestion at emergency department presentation can help predict patient outcomes, with hypoperfused (cold) patients having a higher risk of intensive care unit admission and mortality 2.
Prediction of ICU Stay, Length of Hospitalization, and Readmission Risk
- The PI can predict the need for intensive care unit (ICU) stay, as patients with lower PI values have been shown to have a higher risk of ICU admission 2.
- Changes in PI can also predict the length of hospitalization, with a negative association between PI and length of ICU stay 1.
- The risk of readmission can be predicted by the PI, as patients with lower PI values have been shown to have a higher risk of readmission for heart failure 3.
Changes in Organ Function
- The PI can predict changes in organ function, including coagulation markers, myocardial injury markers, and lactate concentration 1.
- The PI has been shown to be associated with the severity of organ dysfunction in patients with sepsis, with lower PI values indicating more severe organ dysfunction 1.
- Changes in PI can also predict the risk of adverse outcomes, including hospitalization or death, in patients with heart failure 3.