[Study of fetal malnutrition. IV. Acid-base equilibrium in normal and in intrauterine-growth-deficient newborn infants].

Acid-base equilibrium parameters were studied in 11 full-term newborns with adequate weights for their gestational age and in 10 with deficit in their intrauterine growth, during the first 72 hours of life. Significant differences were found. Apparently, malnourished subjects who overcome chronic asphyxia are able to compensate the metabolic disturbances brought about through hyperventilation. The low figures of PaO2 found in babies show they will need higher concentration of oxygen in the air they inhale.