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Pulse oximeter-induced digital injury: frequency rate and possible causative factors

J Wille1, R Braams, W H van Haren

  • 1Department of Surgery, Utrecht University Hospital, The Netherlands.

Critical Care Medicine
|November 1, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pulse oximeter-induced digital injury (PIDI) occurred in 5% of critically ill patients, with a notable association with norepinephrine use. Severely ill patients requiring aggressive vasopressors showed a higher likelihood of developing PIDI, which resolved without permanent damage in survivors.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Patient Safety
  • Medical Device Complications

Background:

  • Pulse oximetry is essential for monitoring critically ill patients.
  • Digital injuries can occur from prolonged use of pulse oximeter probes.
  • Understanding risk factors for pulse oximeter-induced digital injury (PIDI) is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of PIDI in a surgical intensive care unit.
  • To identify factors associated with the development of PIDI.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective descriptive study was conducted in a university hospital surgical intensive care unit.
  • 125 patients with length of stay >2 days were monitored using pulse oximeters.
  • Data on vasopressor therapy, hypotension, hypoxia, hypothermia, and arterial cannulation were collected daily.

Main Results:

  • PIDI developed in 6 of 125 patients (5% incidence).
  • A significant association was found between PIDI and norepinephrine use (p < .001).
  • Severely ill patients, indicated by higher severity scores and need for vasopressors, were more likely to develop PIDI.

Conclusions:

  • The frequency of PIDI in this critically ill population was 5%.
  • While associated with norepinephrine, small case numbers limit definitive conclusions on causative factors.
  • Severely ill patients requiring aggressive vasopressor support are at higher risk for PIDI.

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