Peripheral Perfusion Index – Magic Wand in Prediction of Shock?

Excerpt

During early stages of shock in children, many of the clinical signs are subtle and subjective making its recognition difficult for a clinician. Many of these signs are influenced by factors like type of shock (hypovolemic, cardiogenic, vasodilatory), its etiology, body temperature and ambient temperature, requiring high index of suspicion. Each of these clinical signs, when considered alone, have poor sensitivity and specificity for prediction of shock. A combination of these signs can perform better. Various definitions of shock based on combination of signs have been described [1]. The quest for an ideal combination of signs is ongoing which can help in early shock recognition and better outcomes. …