EFFECTIVENESS OF PERFUSION INDEX (PI)AS AN EARLY PREDICTOR OF SUCCESSFUL CAUDAL BLOCK IN CHILDREN UNDER GENERAL ANAESTHESIA– AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Dr.Veneetha Devadas; Dr. Karthic Ekambaram; Dr.Rajani Sundar; Dr.Dinesh Kumar.G

Volume : IX, Issue : VII, July - 2019

EFFECTIVENESS OF PERFUSION INDEX (PI)AS AN EARLY PREDICTOR OF SUCCESSFUL CAUDAL BLOCK IN CHILDREN UNDER GENERAL ANAESTHESIA– AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Dr. Veneetha Devadas, Dr. Karthic Ekambaram, Dr. Rajani Sundar, Dr. Dinesh Kumar. G

Abstract :

Background and objectives : Caudal block is a regional anaesthetic procedure commonly performed in paediatric age group. But the success rate is still less in paediatric population. The clinical signs and objective assessments are not fast and reliable enough to provide a good feedback. Perfusion Index is a recent advancement of the pulse oximetry technology. Hence this study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Perfusion Index (PI) in assessing the success of caudal block over the other conventional methods. Methods: 30 children with ASA physical status I and II who were scheduled for routine and emergency infra umbilical surgeries were included in the study. They were divided into two groups Group P and Group C by computer generated randomisation. The results of conventional methods of assessment were compared with the values of Perfusion index and evaluation of efficacy was done using statistics. Results: In Group P it was found that the PI increased significantly and earlier , compared to changes in the other parameters from the baseline value. in Group C , the statistically significant changes in the hemodynamics were noted only 5–10 minutes after the block. Conclusion: Hence from this study we have observed that PI is an efficient ,and highly sensitive indicator to assess the early onset of caudal block .