Peripheral perfusion index has been proposed as a possible method for detecting circulatory impairment. We aimed to determine the normal range of peripheral perfusion index in healthy newborns and compare it with that of newborns with CHD.

Right-hand saturation and right-hand peripheral perfusion index levels were recorded, and physical examination and echocardiography were performed in newborns who were 0–28 days old and whom were evaluated in our paediatric cardiology outpatient clinic. The saturation and peripheral perfusion index levels of newborns with normal heart anatomy and function were compared with those of newborns with CHD.

Out of 358 newborns (238 mature and 75 premature) enrolled in the study, 39 had CHD (20 mild CHD, 13 moderate CHD, and 6 severe CHD), of which 29 had CHD with left-to-right shunting, 5 had obstructive CHD, and 5 had cyanotic CHD. No newborn had clinical signs of hypoperfusion or heart failure, such as prolonged capillary refill, weakened pulses, or coldness of extremities. Peripheral perfusion index level was median (interquartile range) 1.7 (0.6) in healthy newborns, 1.8 (0.7) in newborns with mild CHD, and 1.8 (0.4) in newborns with moderate and severe CHD, and there was no significant difference between the groups regarding peripheral perfusion index level.

Peripheral perfusion index remains unchanged in newborns with CHD without the clinical signs of hypoperfusion or heart failure. Larger studies with repeated peripheral perfusion index measurements can determine how valuable this method will be in the follow-up of newborns with CHD.