CONTINUOUS DETERMINATION OF OXYGEN UPTAKE IN SEDATED INFANTS AND CHILDREN DURING CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION

The variation of oxygen uptake during cardiac catheterization was studied in 98 sedated infants and children by a flow-through technic which requires no direct patient contact or cooperation, does not interfere with cardiac catheterization, and permits continuous on-line determination of oxygen uptake. During sedated sleep O2 uptake averaged 102 ± 51 ml./min. or 154 ± 26 ml./min. per M2. For this limited sample population O2 uptake was linearly related to body surface area, age, height and weight. O2 uptake per M2 decreased with increasing body surface area and was relatively greater in underweight children. The awake state and activity resulted in significant increases of O2 uptake even in restrained children. The method provides accurate measurements of O2 uptake and can be used routinely in infants. © 1969.