Combined transcutaneous oxygen, carbon dioxide tensions and end-expired CO2 levels in severely ill newborns.

In 12 newborns combined transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2 levels were measured by means of a Sensor Medics Transend Transcutaneous Gas System simultaneously with the end-tidal PCO2 (PetCo2) values using an Angström Eliza CO2 analyzer. Although the individual correlation coefficients differed greatly, the diagnostic sensitivity of PtcO2 and PtcCO2 was satisfactory within specified limits. The PetCO2 did not agree well with the PaCO2 due to physiologic factors related to lung disorders. We conclude that PtcO2 and PtcCO2 values are very useful in monitoring severely ill newborns although arterial blood gas measurements remain necessary, but not as often as when the transcutaneous technique is not used.