Abstract
Ninety-eight amniotic fluid (AF) samples, collected at amniocentesis over a gestational age (GA) range of 16-40 wks, were analyzed for CO2 and O2 gas tensions. Of these, 21 samples were obtained at Cesarean section and matched with both umbilical vein (UV) and arterial (UA) gas tensions. The cord and expelled placental vessels were catheterized for blood gas tensions. All samples were collected under anaerobic conditions and gas tensions measured by an IL 1301/1303 analyzer. AF gas tension values were analyzed as a function of gestational age and grouped: I = 16-20 wks GA, II: 21-30 wks, and III = 31-40 wks GA. Mean ± SEM values were: Gr. I, 17.5 ± 1 wk GA (n = 38); pH, 7.11 ± 0.01; PO2, 59.1 ± 1.9 mmHg and PCO2 42.3 ± 2.6 mmHg. Gr. II, 26.0 ± 1.0 wks GA (n = 7): pH = 7.16 ± 0.01; PO2 = 64.3 ± 3.1 mmHg; PCO2 = 44.3 ± 1.1 mmHg. Gr. III, 36.0 ± 1.0 wks (n = 53): pH 7.11 ± 0.01, PO2 = 58.1 ± 3.8 mmHg, PCO2 = 47.5 ± 1.2 mmHg. At delivery, the mean ± SEM values of AF and blood gas tensions were correlated as below:
These data suggest that there is an equilibrium of gases, especially PCO2, between the fetus, chorioamnion and maternal circulation. AF gas tensions need to be evaluated as an alternative and, presently, a less invasive means of assessing fetal gas tensions and thus of fetal well being.
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Abbasi, S., Bhutani, V., Roberts, N. et al. AMNIOTIC FLUID GAS TENSIONS. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 134 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00244
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00244