A Practical Measure Of Endothelial Function Applicable To The Routine Clinical Setting?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The VENDYS-II is an alternative, fully automated and noninvasive methodology to evaluate endothelial function using temperature change on finger as a surrogate measure of the magnitude of vascular reactivity index (VRI). Due to the simplicity, it could provide more feasible technique to assess vascular endothelial function in the clinical setting. A most recent modification to the technique includes the application of occlusion cuff at the base of a finger. PURPOSE: To assess the validity of the VENDYS-II device compared with the standard flow-mediated dilation (FMD) protocol. METHODS: Twelve participants (7 males; 37±16 years) varying widely in age, health, ethnic, and socioeconomic status were studied. Occlusion cuff was placed over the right antecubital fossa or at the base of the right index finger. Temperature monitors were placed on bilateral index fingers to assess change in temperature throughout 5-minute occlusion and recovery phases. FMD was obtained simultaneously using high-resolution ultrasound. RESULTS: Mean brachial artery FMD was 7.2±2.6%. Measures of VRI obtained with the upper arm occlusion were significantly associated with simultaneously obtained brachial artery FMD (r=0.73). VRI values obtained with the finger occlusion (1.6±0.4AU) were not significantly different from VRI measured with the brachial artery occlusion (1.7±0.3AU), and both VRI values were moderately correlated with each other (r=0.50). CONCLUSION: Finger-based VRI may be a valid and novel alternative measure of endothelial function that is more suitable than the standard FMD for the assessment of endothelial function in the routine clinical setting.