Transcutaneous measurement of carbon dioxide tension during long-distance transport of neonates receiving mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension measurement during high-risk neonatal transport.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective, randomized comparative study. Infants transported from hospitals more than 30 miles away from our center and who required respiratory intervention were enrolled. Alternating transports used a transcutaneous CO2/O2 monitor. Ventilation parameters and end transport blood gas values served as primary endpoints for the study.

RESULTS

Infants with transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension monitoring were more likely to have decreased ventilator peak pressures during transport than neonates not monitored (-1.5 cm H2O vs + 0.6 cm H2O; p = 0.04). Monitored neonates were more likely to arrive at the tertiary center with a more normal pH and a CO2 tension between 35 and 45 mm Hg (4.7 to 6.0 kPa) than nonmonitored infants (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). The stabilization times before transport were not significantly prolonged by the use of the transcutaneous monitor.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcutaneous monitoring of CO2 tension improves short-term respiratory outcome in neonates receiving mechanical ventilation during transport.