Comparison of Transcutaneous and Intra-Arterial Blood Gas Monitoring in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Objective: We compared transcutaneous and intra-arterial blood gas measurements following pediatric cardiac surgery in this study. Material and Methods: A total of 150 pediatric patients who underwent surgery for congenital cardiac disease between June 2014 and November 2015 were included in the study. The efficacy of a transcutaneous non-invasive device in measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures was evaluated in pediatric patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery for congenital diseases. Simultaneous transcutaneous and conventional arterial blood gases, as well as partial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressure levels were measured in 150 pediatric patients. Results: The mean age and weight of the patients were 3.7±3.1 years (range, 1 month to 16 years) and 11.7±15.1 kg (range 3.5 to 55 kg), respectively. The differences in the mean partial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressure levels were 8 mmHg (range, 3 to 20 mmHg) and 12 mmHg (range, 7 to 25 mmHg), respectively (p 0.05). This was due to the fact that transcutaneous measurements dependent on skin perfusion yielded more accurate and reliable results in optimal conditions, such as a relatively normal cardiovascular function. Conclusion: Although transcutaneous measurements were less accurate than the invasive method in the present study, its use in intensive care units where optimal conditions are provided could decrease the number of invasive arterial interventions and contact with blood, while also allowing continuous monitoring and the evaluation of ventilation efficacy.