Transcutaneous Po2 monitoring in neonatal intensive care.

The transcutaneous Po2 monitoring technique was applied in 20 newborns. The method proved reliable during hypoxemia, normoxemia and hyperoxemia, with a high correlation between Ptco2 and Pao2 in simultaneously obtained arterial samples. Although Ptco2 reliably reflects changes in Pao2, occasional arterial samples are still required for establishing the relationship between Ptco2 and Pao2, especially in patients with impaired circulation. When this relationship has been determined, the therapist may rely on the recorded Ptco2 level for hours, given that the energy supply required to maintain the electrode at a preset temperature level remains constant. A considerable difference between Ptco2 and Pao2 or a change in the energy supply level to the electrode may alert the therapist to check the patient's circulatory status. The Ptco2 technique is now fully developed and can be recommended for use in neonatal intensive care.