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Updated: Sep 23, 2025

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Acid base and blood gas analysis in term neonates immediately after birth with uncomplicated neonatal transition
Nariae Baik-Schneditz1,2,3, Bernhard Schwaberger1,2,3, Berndt Urlesberger1,2,3
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34/2, 8036, Graz, Styria, Austria.
Background:
Acid base and blood gas measurements provide essential information, especially in critically ill neonates. After birth, rapidly changing physiology and difficulty to obtain blood samples represent unique challenges.
Objectives:
The aim of the present study was to establish normal values of capillary acid base and blood gas analysis immediately after birth in term neonates after uncomplicated neonatal transition.
Method:
This is a post-hoc-analysis of ancillary outcome parameter of a prospective observational study in term neonates immediately after caesarean section. Neonates were included after immediate neonatal transition without need of medical support and a capillary blood sample was taken by a heel-stick within 15-20 minutes after birth.
Result:
One hundred thirty-two term neonates were included with mean (SD) gestational age of 38.7 ± 0.7 weeks. The blood was drawn mean (SD) 16 ± 1.7 minutes after birth. The mean (SD) values of the analyses were: pH 7.30 ± 0.04, pCO2 52.6 ± 6.4, base excess - 0.9 ± 1.7 and bicarbonate 24.8 ± 1.6.
Conclusion:
This is the first study describing acid base and blood gas analyses in term neonates immediately after birth with uncomplicated neonatal transition.
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