Endothelial Pulse Amplitude Testing: Feasibility and Reproducibility in Adolescents

Objectives

To test prospectively the reproducibility and feasibility of endothelial pulse amplitude testing (Endo-PAT), a novel Food and Drug Administration-approved technology, in healthy adolescents.

Study design

We performed Endo-PAT testing on 2 different days separated by no more than 7 days in 30 healthy fasting adolescents, ages 13 to 19 years, to assess reproducibility and feasibility. The reported level of discomfort, as measured on a pain scale of 1 to 5, was documented.

Results

The mean difference in paired Endo-PAT indices was 0.12 (95% CI, –0.09-0.33; P = .24; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.78), and the within-subject variation of Endo-PAT index was 0.16. The Endo-PAT index on test days 1 and 2 were 1.91 ± 0.57 and 1.78 ± 0.51 (mean plus or minus SD), respectively. All attempted studies (100%) were completed (95% CI, 88%-100%), and all completed studies (100%) could be analyzed (95% CI, 88%-100%). The median pain score was 1 on both days.

Conclusion

In healthy adolescents, Endo-PAT is feasible and has excellent reproducibility. This technology may provide an easy and reliable means of assessing endothelial function in the pediatric population.

Abbreviations: Endo-PAT, Endothelial pulse amplitude testing, ICC, Intraclass correlation