Optimal Finger Selection for Perfusion Index Measurement in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Abstract
Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may effect chronic hypoxemia due to ventilation–perfusion mismatch. The perfusion index (PI) based on pulse oximetry reflects peripheral perfusion and may vary by measurement site. This study evaluated differences in PI values among fingers to determine the most reliable site for PI measurement in patients with COPD.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive observational research with a cross-sectional design among patients with stable COPD attending the Pulmonology Clinic at Kolonel Abundjani General Hospital in August 2025. Subjects were recruited using consecutive sampling. Patient characteristics, including sex, age, smoking history, and Brinkman index, were obtained from medical records. Perfusion index measurements were taken from all fingers of both hands using a pulse oximeter and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 22 patients with stable COPD were ivolvedncluded. Most participants were male (86.4%) and aged over 55 years (86.4%), with the majority having a history of smoking and a Brinkman index of 200–600 (45.5%). The highest mean PI value in the right hand was observed in the ring finger (4.89 ± 3.12), while in the left hand it was found in the index finger (5.59 ± 3.41). PI values tended to be higher in several fingers of the left hand. The coefficient of variation analysis showed considerable variability across all fingers, although the thumbs exhibited relatively lower variability. A significant difference was observed only in the middle finger between the right and left hands (p = 0.012). Age and smoking history were not significantly associated with PI values (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: PI measurements in patients with stable COPD varied across different fingers. The thumbs showed relatively more stable values and may represent more reliable sites for PI assessment.
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