CONTINUOUS CENTRAL VENOUS OXYGEN-SATURATION (SCVO(2)) MEASUREMENT USING A FIBER OPTIC CATHETER IN NEWBORN-INFANTS

Aims-To describe the range of central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO(2 )) values in stable newborn infants breathing room air; to examine the correlation between ScvO(2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)); to describe fractional oxygen extraction; and the shunt index, an esti mate of the venous admixture. Methods-A prospective clinical observati onal study was made of 10 preterm infants breathing room air after the acute phase of respiratory distress syndrome, and with an umbilical v enous catheter in situ. A fibre optic catheter remained in the right a trium for continuous measurement of oxygen saturation. Results-ScvO(2) , SaO(2), blood pressure and heart rate were registered every 15 minut es. Fractional oxygen extraction and shunt index were calculated. SaO( 2) and ScvO(2) were 93.4 (SD 3.7)% and 73.56 (5.25)%, respectively. In seven patients ScvO(2) values correlated significantly with SaO(2). F ractional oxygen extraction was 0.21 (0.04) and was significantly corr elated with ScvO(2). The shunt index was 24% (12) and was significantl y correlated with SaO(2). Conclusions-Stable preterm Infants breathing room air had an ScvO(2) ranging from 65% to 82% (5th and 95th percent ile), which corresponded to SaO(2) greater than or equal to 86%. ScvO( 2) values were significantly correlated with SaO(2) in most patients.