Abstract
Peripheral perfusion index (PPI) percentiles for newborns serve as an important observation tool in clinical practice, but research pertaining to reference ranges are lacking. The aim of this study was to establish PPI percentiles for healthy newborns by gestational age and sex at 24–48 hours of life. We conducted an observational study and examined PPI values at 24–48 hours of life in 3814 asymptomatic newborns born between 35 and 41 weeks gestation who did not need medical treatment from June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017 at two maternity hospitals in Shanghai. Linear regression analysis was carried out on the associations between PPI values and variables such as gestational age, sex, and birthweight. Pre-ductal PPI values linearly increased with gestational age (β: 0.072; 95% CI: 0.037, 0.107; P = 0.000). Post-ductal PPI values were also mainly related to gestational age (β: 0.051; 95% CI: 0.018, 0.085; P = 0.003). Smoothed reference curves for pre- and post-ductal PPI values by gestational age and sex were derived from LMS Chart Maker. Our study is the first study to establish PPI percentiles curves for healthy newborns by gestational age and sex at 24–48 hours of life. Further research is required for the implementation of PPI curves into clinical practice.
Highlights
Peripheral perfusion index (PPI) percentiles for newborns serve as an important observation tool in clinical practice, but research pertaining to reference ranges are lacking
PPI was registered at different times after birth and it was concluded that the median PPI was 0.9% on day 1 of life, 1.22% on day 3 of life, and 1.35% on day 7 of life
PPI values obtained were used to establish PPI reference curves based on gestational age and sex, which can provide a reference for obstetricians and neonatologists to monitor the health status of newborns
Summary
Peripheral perfusion index (PPI) percentiles for newborns serve as an important observation tool in clinical practice, but research pertaining to reference ranges are lacking. The aim of this study was to establish PPI percentiles for healthy newborns by gestational age and sex at 24–48 hours of life. Our study is the first study to establish PPI percentiles curves for healthy newborns by gestational age and sex at 24–48 hours of life. A study by Vidal et al established different PPI values for preterm infants, but in those with persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) of hemodynamic importance. They found that PPI was mainly affected by the age of the newborn, not by the flow pattern of the PDA. PPI values obtained were used to establish PPI reference curves based on gestational age and sex, which can provide a reference for obstetricians and neonatologists to monitor the health status of newborns
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