Evaluation of sedation during cardiac catheterization of children: Analysis of PaO 2, PaCO 2, pH, and base excess determinations during hemodynamic investigation

Abstract

The effect of sedation by an ataractic mixture was evaluated in 58 children undergoing cardiac catheterization. Oxygen tension, carbon dioxide tension, and hydrogen ion concentration in arterial blood were measured by polarographic and potentiometric methods in these patients, who had minimal or no heart defects. Ninety per cent had PaO2 and PaCO2 values within the adult normal range, indicating that the sedation had little effect on ventilation and oxygenation regardless of age. Significantly lower pH and calculated base excess values were found in children under 12 years of age. This tendency to acidosis in the younger children, all of whom were made to fast, may be on a metabolic basis since a comparison of pre- and postfasting determinations revealed lower fasting values. The effect of sedation by an ataractic mixture was evaluated in 58 children undergoing cardiac catheterization. Oxygen tension, carbon dioxide tension, and hydrogen ion concentration in arterial blood were measured by polarographic and potentiometric methods in these patients, who had minimal or no heart defects. Ninety per cent had PaO2 and PaCO2 values within the adult normal range, indicating that the sedation had little effect on ventilation and oxygenation regardless of age. Significantly lower pH and calculated base excess values were found in children under 12 years of age. This tendency to acidosis in the younger children, all of whom were made to fast, may be on a metabolic basis since a comparison of pre- and postfasting determinations revealed lower fasting values.