The effects of bedside blood gas monitoring on blood loss and ventilator management

Introduction: We examined whether the bedside SensiCath((R)) Blood Gas Moni toring System could reduce both blood loss and the time needed to make vent ilator-setting changes in a population of very low birth weight (VLBW; < 1, 500 g) infants. Material and Methods: A prospective, group sample trial was conducted on ventilator-dependent newly born VLBW infants. The trial was u nblinded due to the nature of the device and parental consent was obtained before study enrollment. A total of 44 patients were studied. Results: Ther e was no difference (mean SD) between the SensiCath group and controls with respect to birth weight, gestational age, pH, PCO2, PO2 or Apgar at 5 min (median 6, both groups). The amount of blood loss for arterial blood gas (A BG) measurement alone was less in the SensiCath group compared to the contr ol group (1.2 +/- 0 ml vs. 6.7 +/- 2.4 ml, p < 0.001) and the total blood l oss was also less in the SensiCath group (8.1 +/- 5 ml vs. 10.5 +/- 6.3 ml, p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between each group in the amount of blood transfused. The time to obtain ABG results and to make a ventilator change was shorter in the SensiCath group compared to control (2 +/- 0 vs. 26 +/- 21 min, p < 0.001). Discussion: Use of the modified Sen siCath monitoring system permits near zero blood loss for ABG assessment an d greatly reduces the time needed to make ventilator management decisions. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.