What Researchers Did
Researchers evaluated whether perfusion index and pleth variability index -- non-invasive circulation monitoring measures -- could assist triage and monitoring of carbon monoxide poisoned patients requiring HBOT.
What They Found
Initial perfusion index showed strong predictive value for HBOT requirement, with an AUC of 0.935, significantly outperforming carboxyhemoglobin alone. Patients requiring HBOT had lower initial perfusion indices and higher carboxyhemoglobin and lactate levels.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Perfusion index monitoring is available on many pulse oximeters already used in Canadian emergency departments. This study suggests a readily available, non-invasive measure could improve triage accuracy for CO poisoning patients needing urgent HBOT.
Canadian Relevance
Covers an OHIP-covered indication: carbon monoxide poisoning. Ontario emergency physicians can consider perfusion index as an additional triage tool for CO poisoning patients requiring HBOT referral.
Study Limitations
Prospective single-centre data from a defined geographic region may not generalize to all emergency department settings and patient populations.