Effects of maternal oxygen administration on fetal oxygenation during reductions in umbilical blood flow in fetal lambs

In 11 chronically catheterized fetal lambs (123 +/- 6, mean +/- SD, days of gestation; term = 147 days), we measured fetal oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption before and during reductions in umbilical blood flow (Qumb). Qumb was reduced by inflation of a balloon occluder located just proximal to the origin of the common umbilical artery. Measurements were made while the unanesthetized maternal sheep received either room air or 100% oxygen to breathe. In oxygen-treated fetuses, oxygen concentrations in umbilical venous blood (Cuvo2) and arterial blood (Cao2) were increased over a wide range of Qumb when compared with those of room air-treated fetuses. Because of these responses, fetal oxygen delivery (Do2 = Qumb X Cuvo2) and oxygen consumption [Vo2 = Qumb(Cuvo2-Cao2)] were greater in oxygen-treated fetuses than in room air-treated fetuses during episodes of reduced Qumb. In oxygen-treated fetuses, Vo2 decreased from normal levels only when Qumb was less than or equal to 75 ml/min/kg of fetus, whereas in room air-treated fetuses Vo2 decreased at Qumb less than or equal to 150 ml/min/kg. Our data indicate that oxygen administration to the pregnant sheep increases oxygen delivery to the fetus during times of reduced umbilical perfusion and that this supplemental oxygen supply provides an oxygen reserve with which the fetus can maintain oxidative metabolism. These data may be relevant to those clinical conditions, such as umbilical cord compression in labor, that are associated with reductions in umbilical blood flow.