Comparison of arterial and arterialized capillary blood in infants with respiratory distress

Abstract

Comparison was made of 45 capillary heel prick and arterial samples in 13 newborn babies with respiratory distress. Good correlation was found between arterial and capillary pH. Both capillary Pco2 and Po2 were unreliable. Base deficit readings were reliable whatever the state of the peripheral circulation unless there was oedema of the feet.