Prognostic value of Pleth Variability Index in patients followed up in the Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: The Pleth Variability Index (PVI) can guide the approach to hypovolemia, which is sometimes the cause and sometimes the result of major diseases; further studies are needed on this index. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of PVI and its relationship with 28-day mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 158 patients were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to 28-day mortality. Patients who died within 28 days were assigned to Group M (Mortal), while those who survived were included in Group S (Survive). Patients' demographics, definitive diagnosis, arterial blood pressure, fingertip oxygen saturation, PVI, fingertip blood glucose, fever, pulse, shock index, and serum lactate level were recorded.

RESULTS: Regarding demographics, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI) (p=0.356, p=0.966, and p=0.977, respectively). The rate of intubation, the use of vasopressors, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, shock index, and PVI values were statistically significantly higher in Group M compared to Group S (for all, p<0.001). Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), Perfusion Index (PI), and length of stay were statistically significantly lower in Group M than in Group S (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.025, respectively). PVI predicted 28-day mortality with 83.8% sensitivity and 97.9% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS: PVI, serum lactate level, PI, APACHE II, GCS, and need for vasopressors were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). PVI and serum lactate have a prognostic value in predicting mortality.