Acid base and blood gas analysis in term neonates immediately after birth with uncomplicated neonatal transition

Abstract

Background: Acid base and blood gas measurements provide essential information, especially in critically ill neonates. After birth, rapidly changing physiology and difficulty to obtain blood samples represent unique challenges. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to establish normal values of capillary acid base and blood gas analysis immediately after birth in term neonates after uncomplicated neonatal transition. Method: This is a post-hoc-analysis of ancillary outcome parameter of a prospective observational study in term neonates immediately after caesarean section. Neonates were included after immediate neonatal transition without need of medical support and a capillary blood sample was taken by a heel-stick within 15–20 minutes after birth. Result: One hundred thirty-two term neonates were included with mean (SD) gestational age of 38.7 ± 0.7 weeks. The blood was drawn mean (SD) 16 ± 1.7 minutes after birth. The mean (SD) values of the analyses were: pH 7.30 ± 0.04, pCO2 52.6 ± 6.4, base excess − 0.9 ± 1.7 and bicarbonate 24.8 ± 1.6. Conclusion: This is the first study describing acid base and blood gas analyses in term neonates immediately after birth with uncomplicated neonatal transition.