Purpose: Noninvasive methods that could predict preload responsiveness are lacking. Our objective was to evaluate variations in pulse oximetry plethysmographic (POP) waveform amplitude (deltaPOP) induced by passive leg raising (PLR).
Methods: We attached a pulse oximeter to the middle finger of 25 spontaneously breathing volunteers at several time points: baseline (ie, semirecumbent position), during PLR at 60 degrees while each subject's trunk was lowered in a supine position at 1 minute, and after putting the patient back in the semirecumbent position (5-minute rest). Heart rate, noninvasive arterial pressures (mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure), maximal POP (POPmax), minimal POP (POPmin), and deltaPOP defined as [POPmax - POPmin]/[(POPmax + POPmin)/2] were recorded using a monitor.
Results: Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, POPmax, and POPmin values were not different at baseline, during PLR at 1 minute, and after the 5-minute rest (repeated-measures analysis of variance). The median deltaPOP significantly decreased from 16% (95% confidence interval = 11%-23%) to 11% (95% confidence interval = 8%-14%) (P < .05) and then increased to 13% (95% confidence interval = 10%-21%) after the 5-minute rest (P = nonsignificant).
Conclusion: Passive leg raising induces a significant decrease in deltaPOP among spontaneously breathing volunteers.