Using Peripheral Perfusion Index to Predict Caudal Block Success in Kids Undergoing Surgery

Peripheral Perfusion Index as an Early Predictor of Successful Caudal Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Lower Abdominopelvic Surgeries Under General Anesthesia

Observational Ain Shams University · NCT06846983

This study is testing if a special measurement called the peripheral perfusion index can help predict if a pain relief technique will work for young children having surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 5 Years
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, Abbasia)
Trial IDNCT06846983 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the peripheral perfusion index (PPI) as an early predictor of successful caudal block in pediatric patients undergoing elective lower abdominopelvic surgeries under general anesthesia. Preoperative assessments will include a thorough medical history, clinical examination, and standard laboratory tests. Patients will be monitored during surgery using various methods, including pulse oximetry to measure PPI, which will be applied to the patient's toe. The study will focus on children aged 1-5 years and will adhere to strict preoperative fasting guidelines.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 1-5 years scheduled for elective lower abdominopelvic surgeries under general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with ASA physical status classes III or above, or those with certain neurological disorders or infections, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the predictability of caudal block effectiveness, leading to better pain management in pediatric surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of peripheral perfusion index in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving anesthesia outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pediatric patients aging between 1-5 years of both sexes.
* Pediatric patients posted for elective lower abdominopelvic surgeries under general anesthesia (duration of surgery under 120 minutes).
* ASA physical status classes I - II.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Guardian's refusal of procedure or participation in the study.
* ASA classes III or above.
* Infection at site of injection.
* Neurological diseases and disorders such as (neuromuscular disease, cerebral palsy, spinal dysraphism …etc.)
* Coagulopathy and bleeding disorders.
* Hypersensitivity to the study medications.
* Patients receiving vasoactive drugs or beta blockers.
* Patients undergoing emergency surgery.
* Patients in active clinical sepsis.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Abbasia

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 Peripheral Perfusion IndexCaudal BlockPeripheral perfusion indexcaudal blockpredictor
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.