Perfusion index changes after spinal blocks in infants undergoing urologic surgery: A case series

The perfusion index (PI) is a noninvasive value derived from readings gathered from a pulse oximeter. The PI has been used in the literature to describe changes in blood flow to extremities during neuraxial blocks. In this case series, we describe the changes to the PI after neuraxial blocks in infants having a urologic surgery. The neuraxial block was the primary anesthetic. In our small patient population, the PI reliably decreased in a predictable fashion. The predictable decremental changes in the PI may be a useful tool in monitoring diminishing neuraxial blocks.