Clinical aspects of continuous neonatal oxygen monitoring

Twenty newborn infants (gestational age 30--40 weeks, weight 980--3400 g) were studied in two groups to compare two commercially available systems for continuous in vivo oxygen monitoring: the So2 catheter and the transcutaneous Po2 (TcPo2) electrode, and their respective electronic systems. Measurements from these systems were correlated with determinations made from samples intermittently drawn and measured by conventional So2 and Pao2 in vitro methods , respectively. Information about these two in vivo oxygen monitoring systems was then related to our previous experience with the bare-wire earlobe O2a electrode. Measurements from the two in vivo monitoring techniques studied showed good correlations with their respective in vitro oxygen measurements: So2 catheter, y = x - 3.08, r = 0.98 (range studied 74% to 100%) and transcutaneous electrode, y = 0.98x + 0.57, r = 0.89 (range studied 34 to 92 mm Hg). It was concluded that all three systems give a good reflection of central arterial oxygen (either Sao2 or Pao2)). The system to be used in specific clinical situations should depend on condition of the baby and stage of treatment, need for an umbilical line to measure other variables, equipment available, and training of personnel.