Physiologic validation of the Compensatory Reserve Metric obtained from pulse oximetry: A step toward advanced medical monitoring on the battlefield.

BACKGROUND

The Compensatory Reserve Metric (CRM) provides a time sensitive indicator of hemodynamic decompensation. However, its in-field utility is limited because of the size and cost-intensive nature of standard vital sign monitors or photoplethysmographic volume-clamp (PPG VC ) devices used to measure arterial waveforms. In this regard, photoplethysmographic measurements obtained from pulse oximetry may serve as a useful, portable alternative. This study aimed to validate CRM values obtained using pulse oximeter (PPG PO ).

METHODS

Forty-nine healthy adults (25 females) underwent a graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP) protocol to simulate hemorrhage. Arterial waveforms were sampled using PPG PO and PPG VC . The CRM was calculated using a one-dimensional convolutional neural network. Cardiac output and stroke volume were measured using PPG VC . A brachial artery catheter was used to measure intra-arterial pressure. A three-lead electrocardiogram was used to measure heart rate. Fixed-effect linear mixed models with repeated measures were used to examine the association between CRM values and physiologic variables. Log-rank analyses were used to examine differences in shock determination during LBNP between monitored hemodynamic parameters.

RESULTS

The median LBNP stage reached was 70 mm Hg (range, 45-100 mm Hg). Relative to baseline, at tolerance, there was a 47% ± 12% reduction in stroke volume, 64% ± 27% increase in heart rate, and 21% ± 7% reduction in systolic blood pressure ( p < 0.001 for all). Compensatory Reserve Metric values obtained with both PPG PO and PPG VC were associated with changes in heart rate ( p < 0.001), stroke volume ( p < 0.001), and pulse pressure ( p < 0.001). Furthermore, they provided an earlier detection of hemodynamic shock relative to the traditional metrics of shock index ( p < 0.001 for both), systolic blood pressure ( p < 0.001 for both), and heart rate ( p = 0.001 for both).

CONCLUSION

The CRM obtained from PPG PO provides a valid, time-sensitized prediction of hemodynamic decompensation, opening the door to provide military medical personnel noninvasive in-field advanced capability for early detection of hemorrhage and imminent onset of shock.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic Tests or Criteria; Level III.