Evaluation of the Relationship Between Perfusion Index and the Improvement of Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Abstract

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a disease presenting on the first days of birth, associated with unpleasant complications such as exaggerated respiratory distress and increased mortality, requiring prompt treatment. Objectives: This study evaluated the relationship between perfusion index and the recovery of patients diagnosed with PDA. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 22 neonates with PDA (as the case group) and 22 healthy neonates (as the control group) were selected. The difference in perfusion index (PI) before and after arterial duct closing was determined, and also the relationship between pre-ductal and post-ductal PI in the case and control groups was evaluated. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21. Results: The results showed a significant difference in the mean scores of pre-ductal and post-ductal PI before and after arterial duct closure (P = 0.004). Also, pre-ductal and post-ductal PI scores were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (P < 0.001) Conclusions: According to our findings, PI in infants with PDA is low at presentation and increases after treatment. Therefore, PI can be used as an indicator to evaluate response to treatment during follow-up, particularly when repeated echocardiography is not accessible.