Acid-base determinations in normal and asphyxiated term infants during the first 24 hours of life.
Vigorous term infants who are born normally initially have a moderate metabolic and respiratory acidosis which is corrected by the time the infant is 6 hours old. Asphyxiated infants consistently show a greater degree of acidosis, both metabolic and respiratory. Caesarean section results in higher pCO2 values, especially when 'diffusion apnoea' occurs. Indications for the correction of acidosis in asphyxia are proposed.
Acid-base determinations in normal and asphyxiated term infants during the first 24 hours of life. Vigorous term infants who are born normally initially have a moderate metabolic and respiratory acidosis which is corrected by the time the infant is 6 hours old. Asphyxiated infants consistently show a greater degree of acidosis, both metabolic and respiratory. Caesarean section results in higher pCO2 values, especially when 'diffusion apnoea' occurs. Indications for the correction of acidosis in asphyxia are proposed.