Improving the early diagnosis and clinical outcomes of shock patients via laser speckle contrast imaging assessment of peripheral hemodynamics

Shock is defined as a critical circulatory failure that requires prompt diagnosis to optimize patient outcomes. Traditional diagnostic methods have limitations, including contact-based measurements, high costs, and lengthy procedures. The study evaluated the efficacy of laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), a noncontact technique, for assessing peripheral hemodynamics in shock patients. Results showed that LSCI accurately captured dynamic changes in blood flow, revealing early indicators of shock. ROI diff and ROI diff/ROI₂ values significantly differed between shock patients and healthy controls. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed associations between ROI diff and key physiological parameters, such as blood pressure and heart rate. ROC analysis revealed that ROI diff and ROI diff/ROI₂ had strong accuracy (72.5% and 82.5%, respectively) for detecting shock. Additionally, LSCI reduced testing time by over 50%, offering faster assessments. These findings demonstrate the potential of LSCI to improve diagnosis and management of shock, especially in complex clinical environments.