Peripheral Perfusion Index in Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation

Peripheral perfusion index (PPI) is variable measured by Radical-7 (Masimo) device and reflects the ratio between pulsatile and non-pulsatile portions of peripheral circulation. PPI is characterized by being non-invasive, real time, and simple variable. Impairment of various perfusion indices (such as central venous oxygen saturation and serum lactate) during spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) were previously reported; however, these indices are characterized by being relatively invasive. We hypothesized that impairment of PPI during SBT might be predictive of weaning failure. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possible association between PPI and success of SBT