Effects of routine care procedures on transcutaneous oxygen in neonates: A quantitative approach

The changes in transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPo₂) during 123 observations of 10 care procedures were compared with the intrinsic variability of the TcPo₂ at the time of the procedure. Standard deviations of the TcPo₂ were measured by planimetry from continuous recording in undisturbed infants during a 10-minute control period immediately before each procedure. The decrement of TcPo₂ during the procedure and the change in TcPo₂ 5 minutes after the procedure had ended were measured. A chest x-ray film had the most striking early hypoxic effect, but all the procedures produced early hypoxia in at least one-quarter of the infants. The significant decreases in oxygenation with particular procedures indicate areas in which changes in techniques might be applied to the benefit of the neonate.