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Fetal carbon dioxide tension during human labour
Fetal carbon dioxide tension during labour is elevated in both metabolic and respiratory acidosis, but intermittent fetal blood analyses often fail to detect PCO2 changes during acute complications. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring is continuous and the possibility of diagnosing PCO2 changes is therefore better. The theoretical background for transcutaneous measurements and methods for clinical monitoring are described. Close correlations with capillary and arterial blood values have been found, and the atraumatic principle with a simple electrode application indicates a promising new method for acid-base assessment during human labour.
Fetal carbon dioxide tension during labour is elevated in both metabolic and respiratory acidosis, but intermittent fetal blood analyses often fail to detect PCO2 changes during acute complications. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring is continuous and the possibility of diagnosing PCO2 changes is therefore better. The theoretical background for transcutaneous measurements and methods for clinical monitoring are described. Close correlations with capillary and arterial blood values have been found, and the atraumatic principle with a simple electrode application indicates a promising new method for acid-base assessment during human labour.