Value of Arterialized Capillary Blood Gas Analysis in Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Childhood

Blood gas analysis on arterialized capillary blood in 70 young infants yielded satisfactory information about oxygen therapy. Inspired oxygen concentrations above 40% are often required to raise the capillary Po₂ of hypoxic infants above 70 mmHg. Oxygen concentrations above 40% are difficult to achieve and maintain in presently available oxygen tents, though not in modern incubators, or oxygen chairs. A raised Pco₂ has frequently been found in infants with severe respiratory infections, but oxygen therapy has not resulted in CO₂ narcosis in these acute emergencies.