End-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring in pediatrics - clinical applications.

End-tidal CO2 monitoring is an exciting non-invasive technology that is more commonly used in the emergency department, intensive care unit and in the prehospital setting. Its main use has been in verifying endotracheal tube position, during mechanical ventilation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but it is being studied and used for other purposes as well. The new American Heart Association guidelines require secondary confirmation of proper tube placement in all patients by exhaled CO2 immediately after intubation and during transport. This article covers the clinical applications of end-tidal CO2 monitoring with special reference to the paediatric patient.