Single breath end-tidal CO2 estimates of arterial PCO2 in infants and children

The association between end-tidal carbon dioxide and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide after cardiopulmonary bypass pumping in cyanotic children

Introduction: Evidence suggests the high capability of non-invasive assessment of the End-tidal carbondioxide (ETCO2) in predicting changes in arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PCO2) following major surgeries in children. We aimed to compare EtCO2 values measured by capnography with mainstream device and EtCO2 values assessed by arterial blood gas analysis before and after cardiopulmonary bypass pumping in cyanotic children.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 32 children aged less than 12 years with ASA II suffering cyanotic heart diseases and undergoing elective cardiopulmonary bypass pumping. Arterial blood sample was prepared through arterial line before and after pumping and arterial blood gas (ABG)was analyzed. Simultaneously, the value of EtCO2 was measured by capnography with mainstream device.

Results: A significant direct relationship was found between the changes in ETCO2 and arterialPCO2 (r = 0.529, P = 0.029) postoperatively. According to significant linear association between postoperative change in ETCO2 and arterial PCO2, we revealed a new linear formula between the two indices: ΔPCO2 = 0.89× ETCO2-0.54. The association between arterial PCO2 and ETCO2 remained significant adjusted for gender, age, and body weight.

Conclusion: the value of ETCO2 can reliability estimate postoperative changes in arterial PCO2 in cyanotic children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass pumping.

Endoscopic intratracheal carbon dioxide measurements during pediatric flexible bronchoscopy

BACKGROUND

CO2 monitoring is recommended for thoracic telescopic procedures and for spontaneous breathing general anesthesia in children. During flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in children, the various currently available methods of CO2 measurements are limited. The CO2 falls and increases have been reported in FB but it is unknown whether airway lesions predispose to CO2 change. The aim of this study was to describe and validate endoscopic intratracheal CO2 measurements in children undergoing FB under spontaneously breathing GA.

METHODS

Endtidal CO2 (P(E)CO2) measurements at the start (Start-CO2) and end (End-CO2) of FB on 100 consecutive children were performed using a newly designed endoscopic intratracheal method. To validate the method blood gas sampling was simultaneously performed in 28 children and results analyzed using the Bland and Altman method, intraclass correlation and 95% range for repeatability.

RESULTS

End-CO2 and CO2-change (End-CO2 minus Start-CO2) were significantly different in children with airway lesions (CO2 change: no lesion = 3 mmHg, extrathoracic airway lesion = 4.5, intrathoracic airway lesion = 8, P = 0.038). There was no significant difference in Start-CO2 values among the groups. CO2-change in those aged < or =12 months was similar to those >12 months. Intratracheal CO2 measurements were comparable with arterial blood values in the Bland and Altman plots. The intraclass correlation was 0.69 and 95% range for repeatability was 3.7-4.17 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

Midtracheal P(E)CO2 provides a useful estimate of P(a)CO2 for monitoring the respiratory status of children undergoing FB. The presence of airway lesions rather than age is associated with significant increased PCO2 rise.

Mainstream vs. sidestream capnometry for prediction of arterial carbon dioxide tension during supine craniotomy

We compared the performance of mainstream capnometry as a measure of arterial carbon dioxide tension (Paco2) with sidestream recordings in adult neurosurgical patients undergoing supine craniotomy. Two hundred and forty patients were randomly assigned so that the end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PEco2) was measured using either a mainstream or sidestream infrared capnometer. All patients received propofol anaesthesia and ventilation was adjusted according to clinical requirement. Arterial blood gas analyses were performed after induction, prior to dural incision, during surgery and before wound closure. Simultaneous haemodynamic and ventilatory parameters were also recorded. For 1007 paired measurements of PEco2 and Paco2 (mainstream, n = 503; sidestream, n = 504), the mean (SD) mainstream arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide tension difference, 0.64 (0.16) kPa, was smaller than the corresponding sidestream values, 0.99 (0.40) kPa (p < 0.001). The limits of agreement for the mainstream analyser, 0.32-0.96 kPa, were also narrower than the sidestream recordings, 0.19-1.79 kPa (p < 0.001). In both capnometers, the arterial to end-tidal difference in carbon dioxide tension did not change with time. However, there was greater within-patient variation in the sidestream group. Our study showed that mainstream PEco2 provided a more accurate estimation of Paco2 than sidestream measurement.

Cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide is preserved during hypocapnia in children anesthetized with 1.0 MAC, but not with 1.5 MAC desflurane

PURPOSE

Maintenance of cerebrovascular reactivity to CO(2) (CCO(2)R) is important during neurosurgical anesthesia. This study was designed to determine the effect of different desflurane concentrations on CCO(2)R in children.

METHODS

Children undergoing urological surgery were enrolled. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane in air/oxygen. After intubation, sevoflurane was switched to desflurane. Analgesia was provided with an epidural neuraxial block. Mechanical ventilation was adjusted to an initial EtCO(2) of 30 mmHg. Exogenous CO(2) was used to achieve an EtCO(2) of 40 and 50 mmHg. Patients were randomized to the sequence of desflurane concentration (1.0 and 1.5 MAC) and the EtCO(2). Transcranial Doppler was used to measure middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca). Five minutes were allowed to reach steady state after each change in EtCO(2) and 15 min after changing the desflurane concentration.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were studied. The mean age and weight were 3.5 +/- 1.5 yr and 14.4 +/- 3.1 kg, respectively. Mean arterial pressure remained stable throughout the study, while at an EtCO(2) of 50 mmHg, heart rate decreased at both desflurane concentrations (P < 0.05). At 1.0 MAC, Vmca increased from 30 to 40 mmHg (P < 0.05), but not from 40 to 50 mmHg EtCO(2). At 1.5 MAC, Vmca increased between 30 and 50 mmHg (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CCO(2)R is preserved during hypocapnia in children anesthetized with 1.0 MAC, but not with 1.5 MAC desflurane. The lack of further increase in Vmca at higher EtCO(2) concentrations implies that desflurane may cause significant cerebral vasodilatation in children. This may have important implications in children with reduced intracranial compliance.

Cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity in children anaesthetized with sevoflurane

BACKGROUND

To determine the effects of sevoflurane on cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity (CCO2R), middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (CBFV) was measured at different levels of PE'CO2 by transcranial Doppler sonography in 16 ASA I or II children, aged 18 months to 7 yr undergoing elective urological surgery.

METHODS

Anaesthesia comprised 1.0 MAC sevoflurane and air in 30% oxygen delivered through an Ayre's T piece by intermittent positive-pressure ventilation, and a caudal epidural block with 0.25% bupivacaine 1.0 ml kg(-1) without epinephrine. PE'CO2 was randomly adjusted to 25, 35, 45 and 55 mm Hg (3.3, 4.6, 5.9 and 7.2 kPa) with an exogenous source of CO2, while maintaining ventilation variables constant.

RESULTS

CBFV increased as PE'CO2 increased from 25 to 35, and to 45 mm Hg (P<0.001), but did not increase significantly with an increase in PE'CO2 from 45 to 55 mm Hg. Mean heart rate and arterial pressure remained constant.

CONCLUSION

CCO2R is preserved in healthy children anaesthetized with 1.0 MAC sevoflurane.

-The effect of desflurane on cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 in children-

OBJECTIVE

To assess in children with a transcranial Doppler the effect on cerebral blood flow velocities of desflurane, whose cerebral vasodilator effects have been studied in animals and in adults with intracranial lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

PATIENTS

Ten healthy children, mean age: 3.4 yr, ASA physical class 1, undergoing minor urologic surgery, were included in this study.

METHOD

Induction was obtained with atropine 10 micrograms.kg-1, fentanyl 3 micrograms.kg-1 and propofol 3 mg.kg-1. Endotracheal intubation was facilitated by atracurium 0.3 mg.kg-1. Mechanical ventilation, with a 50% air/oxygen mixture was adjusted to achieve an end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) level of 38 +/- 2 mmHg. Monitoring included measurement of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate, PETCO2, SpO2 and end-tidal desflurane concentrations (FETDes). Mean blood flow velocities (Vmean) were measured in the middle cerebral artery using a bi-directional 2 MHz TCD system (EME-TC 2000 S). A first TCD measurement followed intubation (T1). Thereafter, desflurane was adjusted to 1 MAC. Six other TCDs were recorded each minute until FETDes reached the inspired fraction (T2-T7). Thereafter, CO2 reactivity was assessed with a hypocapnia test, induced by hyperventilation. Measures were done at T8 (PETCO2: 33 +/- 1 mmHg), T9 (PETCO2: 29 +/- 1 mmHg), and T10 (initial PETCO2: 38 +/- 1 mmHg). All these measurements were made before starting surgery. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyse the data (P < 0.05 was considered as significant).

RESULTS

The Vmean and heart rate increased significantly with increasing concentrations of desflurane (Vmean from 68 +/- 27 to 106 +/- 30 cm.s-1 and heart rate from 109 +/- 17 to 136 +/- 15 b.min-1 between T1 and T7). During hypocapnia, Vmean decreased to 68 +/- 23 cm.s-1 at T9, and returned to normal values with PETCO2 at 38 mmHg at T10. SpO2 remained unchanged. Mean arterial pressure was stable from T1 to T7, but decreased significantly at T9 and T10.

CONCLUSION

Desflurane elicits a dose-dependent increase in cerebral blood flow velocities and heart rate, but does not change mean arterial pressure, suggesting that its cerebrovascular action is independent of its systemic vascular action. CO2 reactivity is maintained at one MAC. The results in children are similar to those seen in adults.

The most proximal and accurate site for sampling end-tidal CO2 in infants

The most proximal site to sample end-tidal CO2 with reasonable accuracy in infants during pulmonary ventilation using a Mapleson D circuit remains controversial. The utilisation of high fresh gas flow near the site of gas sampling dilutes the expired gas and causes an underestimation of end-tidal CO2. In this study a laboratory model was used to identify, qualitatively and quantitatively, the most proximal site in the Mapleson D circuit where the measurement of end-tidal CO2 is not influenced by mixing with fresh gas. A fresh gas flow rate of between 2 and 15 L.min-1 with a respiratory rate of 20-30.min-1 and a tidal volume of 30-100 ml.min-1 was evaluated. This experiment was divided into two parts. Firstly, an infant lung model was used to visualize the site of mixing between fresh gas and smoke-labelled exhaled gas. Secondly, fresh gas flow and expired gas flow were controlled and the end-tidal CO2 concentration was measured along the length of the anaesthetic circuit to identify the site of mixing of fresh gas and expired gas during steady-state conditions. Three expired gas flows were studied at six fresh gas flows. In all our studies, the rate of fresh gas flow and expired gas flow influenced the site of mixing and degree of dilution but no mixing was observed distal to the point at which the endotracheal tube connector narrows to the diameter of the endotracheal tube (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Capnometry and the paediatric laryngeal mask airway

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA), an alternative to tracheal intubation in certain situations, has gained popularity in recent years. Initially designed for use in adults it has now become available in suitable sizes for paediatric anaesthesia. The objectives of this study were to identify the preferred site of sampling the end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) with the LMA and to determine the accuracy of this recording when compared with arterial CO2 (PaCO2). We studied 30 healthy children, age one to five years and weighing between 10 and 25 kg undergoing minor surgery requiring mask anaesthesia. In each case, after induction of anaesthesia, the LMA was inserted under direct vision to eliminate the possibility of epiglottic airway obstruction. The fresh gas flow was provided by a Jackson Rees modification of an Ayre's T-piece and was determined according to the following formula: 3 x (1000 + (100 x body weight)) LPM. Blood pressure, ECG, O2 saturation, temperature and end-tidal gas concentrations were recorded. The measures of peak PETCO2 were taken at pre-determined distances from the elbow connector down the LMA shaft. During the sampling sequence an arterial blood sample was taken for gas analysis. The PaCO2 was 63.5 +/- 9.3 mmHg (mean +/- SD). At any given sampling site, mean PETCO2 values were less than PaCO2 (P < 0.05). However, in eight patients PETCO2 values measured at the distal site were higher than the PaCO2 (negative P(a-ET)CO2 gradients).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Continuous end-tidal CO2 in pediatric bronchoscopy

In recent years flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) has been applied to children for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Sedation during FFB, along with introduction of the bronchoscope into the pediatric airway, may cause hypoventilation, leading to hypoxia and desaturation, even in the presence of oxygen supplementation. Arterial oxygen saturation is usually monitored by pulse oximetry (SpO2) during FFB. End-tidal PCO2 (P(etCO2)) monitoring is not routinely used. Twenty-two pediatric patients (15 days to 18 years old) undergoing FFB and receiving supplemental oxygen were studied prospectively and had continuous P(etCO2) and SpO2 measured before and during the procedure (bronchoscope at the carina or either main bronchus). Mean P(etCO2) (+/- SD) decreased from 33.9 (+/- 6.0) mmHg before to 27.1 (+/- 12.1) mmHg during the procedure (P < 0.024). Concomitantly, mean SpO2 (+/- SD) also decreased from 99.9 (+/- 0.4)% before to 95.7 (+/- 11.1)% during the procedure (P < 0.015). P(etCO2) changes seemed to precede the variations in SpO2, especially in young patients who experienced significant desaturation and decompensation during FFB. We conclude that PetCO2 and SpO2 decrease during FFB in children, even with supplemental oxygen. We speculate that this reflects airway obstruction by the instrument. Further studies are needed to assess the utility of PetCO2 monitoring in pediatric FFB.

Cerebrovascular stability during isoflurane anaesthesia in children

The aims of this study were firstly, to determine the effect of various concentrations of isoflurane on cerebrovascular circulation and secondly, to examine the time-response characteristics of the drug on cerebral blood flow velocity in anaesthetized children. Thirty-two ASA physical status I or II patients aged one to eight years and scheduled for urological surgery were studied. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone 5 mg.kg-1 and fentanyl 2 micrograms.kg-1. Muscle relaxation was provided with vercuronium 0.1 mg.kg-1. Tracheal intubation was performed in all cases. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in a mixture of air and oxygen to produce an inspired oxygen fraction (FIO2) of 0.3. Ventilation was adjusted to maintain normocapnia. A caudal or lumbar epidural catheter was inserted before skin incision and a continuous bupivacaine, without epinephrine, infusion established. During the first part of this study, the initial isoflurane concentration for 24 patients was randomized and age-adjusted to 0.5 MAC, 1.0 MAC, or 1.5 MAC. After steady-state was reached, the subsequent isoflurane MAC concentration was randomized by either raising or lowering it from the initial concentration. In the second part of this study, the time-response effect of isoflurane was examined. Eight patients received 1.0 MAC isoflurane over 90 to 150 min. Temperature, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure were unchanged throughout the study. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and resistance index (RI+), a measure of cerebrovascular resistance, were measured in the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with a 2 MHz transcranial Doppler monitor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transcranial Doppler sonography: nitrous oxide and cerebral blood flow velocity in children

To determine the effect of nitrous oxide (N2O) on cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and cerebrovascular resistance index (RI+) in children, ten ASA physical status I or II patients aged one to eight years old, scheduled for urological procedures, were studied. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone 2 mg.kg-1, fentanyl 5 micrograms.kg-1 and diazepam 0.3 mg.kg-1. Muscular relaxation was ensured by using vecuronium 0.1 mg.kg-1. After tracheal intubation, anaesthesia was randomly assigned to either a mixture of air in oxygen (N2/O2) or 70% N2O in oxygen (N2O/O2) producing an FIO2 of 30%. Three sets of measurements of CBFV and RI+ were made with both gas mixtures. The CBFV and RI+ were measured in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with a transcranial Doppler monitor. Measurements were made while using the initial gas mixture, then the second gas mixture was administered, and finally, the patient again was given the initial gas mixture. A continuous caudal epidural or lumbar epidural block was performed before skin incision. Neuromuscular blockade was maintained with vecuronium 0.05 mg.kg-1. Temperature, heart rate, end-tidal CO2, arterial oxygen saturation, haematocrit and arterial blood pressure were maintained constant. Ventilation was adjusted to achieve normocapnia. The CBFV increased when 70% N2/O2 was replaced by 70% N2O/O2 (P less than 0.05) while the CBFV decreased when 70% N2/O2 was readministered (P less than 0.05). Likewise, the CBFV decreased when 70% N2O/O2 was replaced by 70% N2/O2 (P less than 0.05) while the CBFV increased when 70% N2O/O2 was readministered (P less than 0.05).

Stability of the intraoperative arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure difference in children with congenital heart disease

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of the arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) to end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) partial pressure difference (Pa-ETCO2) during surgery using PETCO2 monitoring, in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Forty children with CHD were studied: ten children with no interchamber communication and normal pulmonary blood flow (PBF) (normal group); ten acyanotic children with increased PBF (acyanotic-shunting group); ten cyanotic children with mixing type lesions and normal or increased PBF (mixing group), and ten cyanotic children with right-to-left intracardiac shunts demonstrating decreased and variable PBF (cyanotic-shunting group). Simultaneous PaCO2 recordings and PETCO2 measurements were obtained for each patient during five intraoperative events: (1) control time, arterial line placement under anaesthesia; (2) time 1, patient preparation; (3) time 2, immediately after sternotomy; (4) time 3, after heparin administration; and (5) time 4, immediately after aortic cannulation. Initially, cyanotic children demonstrated a greater Pa-ETCO2 compared with acyanotic children (P less than 0.05). There was no difference in the Pa-ETCO2 over time in the control, acyanotic-shunting, or mixing groups. The Pa-ETCO2 in the children with cyanotic-shunting lesions at times 2 and 3 was greater (P less than 0.05) than at their control times. We conclude that the Pa-ETCO2 of children with acyanotic-shunting and mixing congenital heart lesions is stable intraoperatively, although patients with mixing congenital heart lesions may demonstrate large individual variations. In children with cyanotic-shunting congenital heart lesions, the Pa-ETCO2 is not stable. The PETCO2 cannot be used during surgery to estimate reliably the PaCO2 in children with cyanotic CHD.

Cerebrovascular responses to carbon dioxide in children anaesthetized with halothane and isoflurane

To determine the effects of isoflurane and halothane on cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2, 30 children aged one to six years were anaesthetized with isoflurane or halothane in an air and oxygen mixture with an FIO2 of 0.3. The end-tidal concentrations (0.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) or 1.0 MAC) of isoflurane or halothane were age-adjusted. After achieving a steady-state at both 0.5 MAC and 1.0 MAC isoflurane and halothane, the end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PETCO2) was randomly adjusted to 20, 40, or 60 mmHg. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and the cerebrovascular resistance index (RI+) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) were measured by a transcranial Doppler monitor. Three measurements of CBFV and RI+ were obtained at each PETCO2 and isoflurane or halothane concentration. Any rise in the PETCO2 caused an increase in CBFV during both 0.5 MAC (r2 = 0.99 and 0.99) and 1.0 MAC (r2 = 0.96 and 0.95) isoflurane and halothane anaesthesia, respectively (P less than 0.05). The CBFV for isoflurane increased as PETCO2 increased from 20 to 60 mmHg for both 0.5 MAC and 1.0 MAC (P less than 0.05). The CBFV for halothane increased as PETCO2 increased from 20 to 40 mmHg for both 0.5 MAC and 1.0 MAC halothane (P less than 0.05), but did not change as PETCO2 increased from 40 to 60 mmHg for both 0.5 MAC and 1.0 MAC halothane. The RI+ showed an inverse relationship with CBFV at each PETCO2 for 0.5 MAC (r2 = 0.98 and 0.99) and 1.0 MAC (r2 = 0.76 and 0.53) isoflurane and halothane, respectively (P less than 0.05). The CBFV did not differ significantly between 0.5 and 1.0 MAC isoflurane and halothane at corresponding PETCO2 values. The cerebrovascular response to CO2 at 20 mmHg between 0.5 MAC and 1.0 MAC halothane was not significantly different. These data strongly suggest that isoflurane and halothane in doses up to 1.0 MAC do not affect the cerebrovascular reactivity of the MCA to CO2 in anaesthetized, healthy children.

Technical and clinical aspects of capnography in neonates

This article reviews the current literature on the uses of capnometry and capnography as applied to neonates. The first part addresses the technical aspects and principles of the measurements, including definitions. The features of available carbon dioxide analysers are discussed and factors known to influence their accuracy are highlighted. In the second part of this paper, in vivo studies in neonates are reviewed, with particular emphasis on understanding why the accuracy of end-tidal CO2 measurements differs among studies. This is attributable to various factors: aspiration flow rate, the sampling site (whether distal or proximal) and the type of capnometer. The critical limitation of their overall accuracy in the presence of lung disease is discussed. Potential applications are considered, as are the current limitations of transcutaneous monitoring. We conclude that capnometry with capnography is a potentially useful tool to arterial CO2 tension (PaCO2) monitor infants with normal lungs.

Continuous end-tidal CO2 sampling within the proximal endotracheal tube estimates arterial CO2 tension in infants

End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) sampled using a 22-gauge needle inserted through the wall of the proximal endotracheal tube was compared with ETCO2 obtained from the standard proximal connector to determine which was the more accurate sampling site for estimation of arterial CO2 tension (PaCO2). Fourteen infants were anaesthetized and their lungs ventilated using a Drager ventilator and a paediatric circle system. Blood gas determination of PaCO2 was obtained from an arterial catheter and compared with continuous sampling of ETCO2 analyzed by raman spectroscopy. The PaCO2 (35.3 +/- 4.9 mmHg, x +/- SD) was not different from the ETCO2 sampled within the proximal endotracheal tube (34.7 +/- 3.8 mmHg), but was greater (P less than 0.05) than the ETCO2 at the proximal connector (31.6 +/- 4.0 mmHg). We conclude that in infants during ventilation with a circle system, the PaCO2 can be accurately assessed by continuous sampling of ETCO2 from the proximal endotracheal tube.

Transcranial Doppler: response of cerebral blood-flow velocity to carbon dioxide in anaesthetized children

To determine the effect of carbon dioxide on the cerebral circulation in anaesthetized infants and children, 13 healthy children, ASA physical status I or II, between three months and seven years of age and scheduled for urologic surgery, were studied. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone and vecuronium. After tracheal intubation, anaesthesia was maintained with 70 per cent nitrous oxide in oxygen, fentanyl 2 micrograms.kg-1, vecuronium 0.05 mg.kg-1 and 0.8-1.0 per cent end-tidal isoflurane. A caudal block was performed before surgery. Systolic arterial pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, and end-tidal isoflurane were maintained constant. Ventilation was adjusted to achieve an end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) of 20 mmHg. The PETCO2 was then randomly adjusted between 20 and 80 mmHg by the addition of carbon dioxide from an exogenous source. Cerebral blood flow velocity increased logarithmically and directly with the PETCO2 (r2 = 0.56). There were no complications associated with the use of transcranial Doppler sonography. These data indicate that CO2 has a direct effect on the velocity of blood in the middle cerebral artery in infants and children anaesthetized with isoflurane.