A survey of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among European neonatal intensive care units

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>PCO<sub>2 </sub>and PO<sub>2 </sub>are important monitoring parameters in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Compared to conventional blood gas measurements that cause significant blood loss in preterms, tr...

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Main Authors: Hammer Hannes, Töpfer Kerstin, Rüdiger Mario, Schmalisch Gerd, Wauer Roland R
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2005-08-01
Series:BMC Pediatrics
Online Access:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/5/30
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spelling doaj-521a3e97d4ed4a41ab1ca125780fd8572020-11-25T01:06:42ZengBMCBMC Pediatrics1471-24312005-08-01513010.1186/1471-2431-5-30A survey of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among European neonatal intensive care unitsHammer HannesTöpfer KerstinRüdiger MarioSchmalisch GerdWauer Roland R<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>PCO<sub>2 </sub>and PO<sub>2 </sub>are important monitoring parameters in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Compared to conventional blood gas measurements that cause significant blood loss in preterms, transcutaneous (tc) measurements allow continuous, non-invasive monitoring of blood gas levels. The aim of the study was to survey the usage and opinions among German speaking NICUs concerning tc blood gas monitoring.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A questionnaire was developed and sent to 56 head nurses of different NICUs in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A completely answered questionnaire was obtained from 41 NICUs. In two of these units tc measurements are not performed. In most NICUs (77%), both P<sub>tc</sub>O<sub>2 </sub>and P<sub>tc</sub>CO<sub>2 </sub>are measured simultaneously. Most units change the sensors every 3 hours; however, the recommended temperature of 44°C is used in only 15% of units. In only 8% of units are arterial blood gases obtained to validate tc values. Large variations were found concerning the targeted level of oxygen saturation [median upper limit: 95% (range 80–100%); median lower limit: 86% (range 75–93%)] and PO<sub>2 </sub>[median upper limit: 70 mmHg (range 45–90 mmHg); median lower limit: 44 mmHg (range 30–60 mmHg)].</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our survey shows that the use of tc monitors remains widespread among German speaking NICUs, despite earlier data suggesting that their use had been abandoned in many NICUs worldwide. In addition, we suggest that the current method of monitoring oxygenation may not prevent hyperoxemia in preterm infants.</p> http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/5/30
collection DOAJ
language English
format Article
sources DOAJ
author Hammer Hannes
Töpfer Kerstin
Rüdiger Mario
Schmalisch Gerd
Wauer Roland R
spellingShingle Hammer Hannes
Töpfer Kerstin
Rüdiger Mario
Schmalisch Gerd
Wauer Roland R
A survey of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among European neonatal intensive care units
BMC Pediatrics
author_facet Hammer Hannes
Töpfer Kerstin
Rüdiger Mario
Schmalisch Gerd
Wauer Roland R
author_sort Hammer Hannes
title A survey of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among European neonatal intensive care units
title_short A survey of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among European neonatal intensive care units
title_full A survey of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among European neonatal intensive care units
title_fullStr A survey of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among European neonatal intensive care units
title_full_unstemmed A survey of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among European neonatal intensive care units
title_sort survey of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among european neonatal intensive care units
publisher BMC
series BMC Pediatrics
issn 1471-2431
publishDate 2005-08-01
description <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>PCO<sub>2 </sub>and PO<sub>2 </sub>are important monitoring parameters in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Compared to conventional blood gas measurements that cause significant blood loss in preterms, transcutaneous (tc) measurements allow continuous, non-invasive monitoring of blood gas levels. The aim of the study was to survey the usage and opinions among German speaking NICUs concerning tc blood gas monitoring.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A questionnaire was developed and sent to 56 head nurses of different NICUs in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A completely answered questionnaire was obtained from 41 NICUs. In two of these units tc measurements are not performed. In most NICUs (77%), both P<sub>tc</sub>O<sub>2 </sub>and P<sub>tc</sub>CO<sub>2 </sub>are measured simultaneously. Most units change the sensors every 3 hours; however, the recommended temperature of 44°C is used in only 15% of units. In only 8% of units are arterial blood gases obtained to validate tc values. Large variations were found concerning the targeted level of oxygen saturation [median upper limit: 95% (range 80–100%); median lower limit: 86% (range 75–93%)] and PO<sub>2 </sub>[median upper limit: 70 mmHg (range 45–90 mmHg); median lower limit: 44 mmHg (range 30–60 mmHg)].</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our survey shows that the use of tc monitors remains widespread among German speaking NICUs, despite earlier data suggesting that their use had been abandoned in many NICUs worldwide. In addition, we suggest that the current method of monitoring oxygenation may not prevent hyperoxemia in preterm infants.</p>
url http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/5/30
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