tcPO2 recorded by a Drager electrode, manufactured as described by Huch et al(l), was compared with PaO2 in 23 newborn infants (birth wt. 994-3706g, mean 2112 g; gestation 27-40w, mean 33w) with respiratory illnesses, aged 2h-7d. The tcPO2 electrode was heated to 43°C; higher temperatures were not used because they produced skin changes which prevented continuous monitoring. Two studies were done. 1. tcPO2 was compared with the PaO2 of arterial blood samples measured with a Radiometer Type E5046 electrode. 2. Comparisons were made, at ?h intervals, of simultaneous records of tcPO2, and PaO2 measured with an umbilical artery catheter-tip electrode(2), over periods of 1-16?h (median 2?h). Over the PaO2 range 20-350 mmHg, 180 (82%) of 219 comparisons agreed within 20 mmHg and 139 (63%) within 10 mmHg. In 24 comparisons, most of which were in seriously ill infants being treated by mechanical ventilation, tcPO2 underestimated PaO by 20-258 (median 36 mmHg), even though skin blood flow, as judged by the heating power consumed by the electrode, appeared to be maintained. We conclude that tcPO2 gives an estimate of PaO2 that is usually adequate for clinical management except in some severely ill infants.(1) Huch et al. Arch.Gynak., 1969(2) Conway et al.Pediat., 1976
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