Abstract
Recent reports have questioned the accuracy of transcutaneous measurements of oxygen tension (TcPO2), especially in older infants. We therefore validated TcPO2 values as well as pulse oximeter measurements of oxygen saturation (TcSO2) by comparing them with arterial blood in infants undergoing elective cardiac catheterization. A Litton Oxymonitor was used to measure TcPO2 and TcSO2 was monitored with a Nellcor Pulse Oximeter. Eight infants, aged from 7-61 weeks (mean 35.4), were studied. All were hemodynamically stable and normothermic. Nine simultaneous measurements were made of arterial and transcutaneous PO2, as well as SO2. The results are shown in the Table. The mean arterial-transcutaneous PO2 difference was 17.3 mmHg, while O2 saturation difference was 5.1%. Age did not affect either the arterial-transcutaneous difference in PO2 (r = -0.32), or O2 saturation (r = 0.11). However, a significant correlation existed between arterial-transcutaneous PO2 difference and skin fold thickness (r = 0.80, p <0.05). We conclude that discrepancies seen in TcPO2 measurements in older infants are due to increasing skin fold thickness with age. The Nellcor Pulse Oximeter readings may also have been affected by skin thickness.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
