Preoperative TAPSE/PASP Ratio as a Non-Invasive Predictor of Hypotension After General Anesthesia Induction.

Background

Hypotension is a common adverse event after the induction of general anesthesia and may lead to serious complications. The Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE)/Pulmonary Arterial Systolic Pressure (PASP) ratio is an echocardiographic parameter reflecting right ventricular (RV) function and pulmonary circulation. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the TAPSE/PASP ratio for hypotension after general anesthesia induction.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 79 patients with no known cardiac disease who were scheduled for elective surgery and classified as having a physical status of I-III according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). TAPSE, PASP, and RV function were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) within 5-30 min before surgery, and their hemodynamic changes after general anesthesia induction were recorded.

Results

Data analysis revealed a significant association between the TAPSE/PASP ratio and the occurrence of hypotension following the induction of general anesthesia (p < 0.001). In addition, a cut-off value of ≤1.98 was determined for predicting hypotension, which demonstrated a sensitivity of 72.5% and a specificity of 64.1% (AUC = 0.733, 95% CI: 0.621-0.826, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The TAPSE/PASP ratio is a potential predictor of hypotension following the induction of general anesthesia. Further studies are required to validate its predictive accuracy and clinical utility in perioperative hemodynamic management.