Paradoxical increase in the photoplethysmography amplitude in response to nociceptive stimulation induced by tracheal intubation: A case report

Abstract

Background: Although an increase in sympathetic nerve activity is generally associated with a decrease in the photoplethysmography (PPG) amplitude, the present case study demonstrates that nociceptive stimuli, such as tracheal intubation, paradoxically induce an increase in PPG amplitude. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to capture an increase in the PPG amplitude in response to sympathetic nerve activation. Case presentation: A 73-year-old woman underwent open surgery. Following anesthesia induction, tracheal intubation was performed, which resulted in increased heart rate and raised blood pressure. While nociception usually decreases the PPG amplitude, the opposite was found. Conversely, the vascular stiffness K value, our research group’s unique monitoring method to quantify the strength of sympathetic activity, increased reflecting increased peripheral vascular resistance. Conclusions: We report a paradoxical case of increased PPG amplitude following tracheal intubation. It is important to note that the PPG amplitude does not always decrease with nociceptive stimuli.