Evaluation of P a-A CO2, P A-a O2 and VD/VT measurements during controlled respiration in children. Preliminary communication.

The indices of P a-A CO2, P A-a O2 and VD/VT were evaluated in a group of children treated with controlled ventilation (IPPV) for: pneumonia, congenital heart disease, respiratory distress syndrome or central nervous system diseases. The P A-a O2 index is regarded as the most useful one, since it enables the possibility to select a F IO2 value for obtaining an optimal P aO2. For calculation of VD/VT according to Bohr's formula during connection of the child to respirator P ECO2 was determined planimetrically from the capnographic curve. P a-A CO2 was recognized as a less useful index and difficult to interpret.