Transcutaneous PO2 monitoring in routine observation of newborns

TcPO2 was monitored in 209 of 814 infants admitted to the premature ward connected to our obstetric department. The majority of the infants were monitored less than 14 h. Approximately 77% of the infants were treated with up to 40% O2, while for a period the remaining infants were treated with more than 40% O2. TcPO2 values were generally controlled to the desirable range of 7-12 kPa (50-90 mm Hg). The daily handling of the equipment was performed by the nursing staff, who found good correlation between the TcPO2 measurement and clinical observations. The importance of application of the electrode in the preductal area is stressed to avoid hyperoxemia in the retinal vessels.