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

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 modem 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. Acute infections of the lower respiratory tract (LRTI) such as acute bronchiolitis and broncho-pneumonia constitute a common problem in infancy. They vary widely in degree of severity, but nursing in a humid and oxygen enriched atmosphere is often indicated. Since the degre