Using Perfusion Index to Guide Vasopressor Treatment in Sepsis

Can Perfusion Index Indicate the Need of Vasopressor in ICU Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock, Prospective Observational Study

Observational Ain Shams University · NCT06860438

This study is testing if using the perfusion index can help doctors decide when to start a specific medication for ICU patients with sepsis to improve their recovery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06860438 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the perfusion index (PI) as a noninvasive indicator of peripheral microcirculation in ICU patients experiencing sepsis and septic shock. By monitoring PI, the study seeks to determine the optimal timing for initiating vasopressor treatment, specifically norepinephrine, to improve patient outcomes. The research will involve ICU patients who exhibit signs of sepsis and septic shock, with a focus on understanding the relationship between PI and hemodynamic stability. The findings could provide insights into personalized treatment strategies for managing sepsis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are ICU patients with clinically suspected sepsis and septic shock.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, currently on vasopressors, or have certain circulatory impairments will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved management of sepsis, potentially reducing mortality rates associated with septic shock.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of perfusion index in sepsis management is a growing area of interest, this specific approach remains novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- All ICU patients with clinically suspected sepsis and septic shock ( signs include fever hypotension oliguria and confusion combined with culture results showing infection .Septic shock is a subset of sepsis involves persistent hypotension (mean arterial pressure ≥ 65 mm Hg, and a serum lactate level \> 18 mg/dL \[2 mmol/L)not responding to fluid resuscitation ) .

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant females
* Patients on vasopressor or positive inotropic drugs
* Patients with hypothermia (defined as central temperature \<35°C).
* Patient with impairment of upper extremity circulation,(such as those who underwent radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting or had suspected occlusion of the radial artery prior to surgery,)
* Patients had undergone an operation that involved the large arteries of the aortic arch.
* Patients with atherosclerosis .

Where this trial is running

Cairo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SepsisPerfusion IndexVasopressor
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.