Can a perfusion index, measured by pulse oximeter predict hypotension following spinal anesthesia in healthy parturients undergoing elective lower segment cesarean section?

Background: Hypotension is a common complication following spinal anesthesia (SA) for lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) which has detrimental effects both on mother and fetus. This study is aimed at investigating the correlation between baseline perfusion index (PI) and incidence of hypotension following SA for parturients undergoing LSCS. Methods: 60 parturients were divided into two groups of 30 patients each on the basis of baseline PI. Parturients with baseline PI ≤3.5 and >3.5 were added in Group I and Group II respectively. SA was performed with 2ml (10 mg) of injection 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine at L3–L4 or L2–L3 inter-space. Hypotension was defined when the mean arterial pressure falls below 65 mmHg which was treated with IV fluid boluses and vasopressors. Results: There was no significant correlation between baseline PI (>3.5 and ≤3.5) and incidence and severity of hypotension (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Parturients with baseline PI > 3.5 were not at higher risk of developing hypotension following spinal anesthesia compared to those with baseline PI ≤ 3.5.