Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
13:13

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia

Published on: August 24, 2011

14.3K

Acid-base determinations in normal and asphyxiated term infants during the first 24 hours of life

C D Molteno, A F Malan, H V Heese

    South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
    |November 13, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Newborn infants experience temporary acidosis, which resolves within 6 hours. Asphyxiated infants show more severe acidosis, and Cesarean births can increase carbon dioxide levels, necessitating intervention.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal physiology
    • Perinatal medicine
    • Pediatric critical care

    Background:

    • Vigorous term infants normally exhibit transient metabolic and respiratory acidosis shortly after birth.
    • This physiological acidosis typically resolves within the first six hours of life.
    • Infants experiencing birth asphyxia present with more pronounced metabolic and respiratory acidosis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze the acid-base status of newborns in relation to birth condition.
    • To investigate the impact of Cesarean section on neonatal acid-base balance.
    • To propose criteria for correcting acidosis in asphyxiated neonates.

    Main Methods:

    • Assessment of acid-base parameters in term infants.
    • Comparison between normally born and asphyxiated infants.
    • Evaluation of acid-base status in infants delivered via Cesarean section.

    Main Results:

    • Normally born infants show moderate acidosis resolving by 6 hours.
    • Asphyxiated infants consistently demonstrate greater metabolic and respiratory acidosis.
    • Cesarean section is associated with elevated pCO2, particularly with diffusion apnoea.

    Conclusions:

    • Birth asphyxia leads to significant and persistent acidosis.
    • Cesarean delivery can influence neonatal respiratory status (pCO2).
    • Guidelines for managing neonatal acidosis in asphyxia are suggested.

    More Related Videos

    A Swine Model of Neonatal Asphyxia10:36

    A Swine Model of Neonatal Asphyxia

    Published on: October 11, 2011

    14.7K
    A Piglet Perinatal Asphyxia Model to Study Cardiac Injury and Hemodynamics after Cardiac Arrest, Resuscitation, and the Return of Spontaneous Circulation10:55

    A Piglet Perinatal Asphyxia Model to Study Cardiac Injury and Hemodynamics after Cardiac Arrest, Resuscitation, and the Return of Spontaneous Circulation

    Published on: January 13, 2023

    2.2K

    Related Concept Videos

    Acid-Base Balance01:25

    Acid-Base Balance

    The human body maintains a narrow pH range regulated through acid-base balance. This balance is crucial as changes in the hydrogen ion concentration can disrupt cell membrane stability, alter protein structures, and change enzyme activities. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.4, venous blood and interstitial fluid is 7.35, and intracellular fluid averages 7.0.
    When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
    Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance01:18

    Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance

    Respiratory compensation is a vital physiological process that stabilizes blood plasma pH by regulating the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), a key determinant of pH levels. Most carbon dioxide in the blood dissolves and converts into carbonic acid (H2CO3). It dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3⁻). There is also an inverse relationship between PCO2​​ and pH.
    When carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood, more H+ and HCO3⁻ are produced, leading to a...
    Disorders of Acid-Base Balance01:29

    Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

    The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
    Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
    Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
    Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis01:24

    Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis

    Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
    First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
    Next, the PCO2  and HCO3−  values are examined to...
    Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

    Acute Respiratory Failure-V

    The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
    Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
    Blood Studies I: ABG and VBG01:26

    Blood Studies I: ABG and VBG

    Blood studies are critical in the medical field, enabling healthcare professionals to assess a patient's health status accurately. This page will focus on two significant blood studies: Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) and Venous Blood Gas (VBG).
    Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
    Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) studies are crucial for assessing the lungs' ability to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, reflecting the patient's ventilation status. They also help understand the kidneys' capacity to reabsorb or...