There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.
From the Research
Normal Ranges for Arterial PCO2 and PO2 in Infants
The normal ranges for arterial PCO2 and PO2 in infants can be inferred from various studies, although the provided evidence does not directly focus on infants.
- The study 1 suggests that an acceptable range for pCO2 is 5-12 kPa, and the lower limit for arterial pO2 may be about 3 kPa.
- Another study 2 developed a non-invasive technique for measuring alveolar carbon dioxide and oxygen tension, which could potentially be applied to infants, but the study itself does not provide specific normal ranges for this age group.
- A more recent study 3 assessed the accuracy of a transcutaneous PCO2 and PO2 sensor in neonates, comparing it to arterial and capillary blood gas measurements. This study found significant bias in transcutaneous PCO2 and PO2 measurements compared to arterial values but acceptable bias compared to capillary values.
Comparison of Blood Gas Measurements
The comparison between different methods of blood gas measurement is crucial for understanding the normal ranges in infants.
- The study 4 found that arterialized earlobe blood samples may not be reliable for measuring PO2, with wider limits of agreement compared to PCO2 measurements.
- The study 3 also highlighted the importance of considering clinical covariates, such as sensor operating temperature, soft tissue edema, and vasoactive drugs, which can significantly alter the bias in transcutaneous blood gas measurements.
Application to Infant Care
While the provided studies do not directly address the normal ranges for arterial PCO2 and PO2 in infants, they offer insights into the measurement techniques and factors influencing blood gas values.
- The acceptable range for pCO2 (5-12 kPa) and the lower limit for arterial pO2 (about 3 kPa) from 1 can be considered as a reference point.
- However, it is essential to consult studies specifically focusing on infant physiology for more accurate and reliable normal ranges.