Measuring Blood Pressure: Arm vs. Calf and Thigh
Author Information
Author(s): Lakhal K, Macq C, Ehrmann S, Boulain T, Capdevila X
Primary Institution: CHU, Montpellier, France
Hypothesis
Are the calf and the thigh reliable alternatives to the arm for cuff non-invasive measurements of blood pressure?
Conclusion
For better reliability of MAP measurements, the cuff should be placed on the arm rather than the thigh or the calf.
Supporting Evidence
- NIBP performed better on the arm compared to the calf and thigh.
- Accuracy of NIBP was similar in cases of mild circulatory failure.
- MAP changes were better reflected when the cuff was placed on the arm.
Takeaway
This study found that using the arm to measure blood pressure is more accurate than using the calf or thigh.
Methodology
Adult ICU patients with arterial catheters were included, and NIBP measurements were compared across different anatomical sites.
Limitations
Some patients were excluded due to measurement failures, and the study focused only on ICU patients.
Participant Demographics
150 patients, average age 41 years, BMI 26, majority on mechanical ventilation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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