Abstract
Aims & Objectives: The current gold standard method for measurement of partial carbon dioxide pressure (PCO2) is arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. However ABG is an invasive method and does not provide continuous monitoring. Transcutaneous PCO2 (PtcCO2) and end-tidal PCO2 (PetCO2) measurements serve as alternatives to arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) method and provide continuous monitoring. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitor measures CO2 which diffused from capillary lumen to the membrane of the monitor found on skin by heat induced vasodilatation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the correlation between PtcCO2 and PetCO2 methods with the gold standard ABG analysis. We also aimed to assess the variability of PtcCO2 measurements with patient related factors including age, weight, sex, laboratory findings, skin and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness and also different disease spectrum like pulmonary and non pulmonary causes. Methods Non-invasive PetCO2 and transcutaneous PtcCO2 measurements and invasive ABG analysis were measured in intubated patients admitted to Istanbul Medeniyet University Hospital pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The results were recorded after sensor fixation at three locations and compared with ABG analysis measured similtanously. Patient demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory parameters, skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness were identified. Results There was more potent correlation between PtcCO2 and ABG compared to PetCO2. (p<0,001). Neither sensor location nor patient related factors causes statistically significant differences on results. Conclusions When compared with PetCO2 method, PtcCO2 measurement can be used more reliably as a noninvasive method. Providing a continuous monitoring and to not be affected by patient related factors make PtcCO2 method more advantagable.
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