A few of the topics of particular interest in perinatal medicine such as surfactants, erythropoietin, cordocentesis and computer assisted decision support are briefly reviewed. Asphyxia and oxygen toxicity are discussed as is the increase in the formation of free radicals which is part of reoxygenation. The infinitely larger problem of the poor in developing countries can best be improved--at least partially--by extending family planning techniques universally, otherwise the population explosion will counteract any other improvements.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The validity of the transcutaneous oxygen tension method in adults.

The transcutaneous oxygen tension (tcPo2) in five healthy subjects and in seven patients was monitored continuously by the technique of Huch, Huch, and Lübbers. The inspired oxygen concentration was varied between 15 and 100%. Once stable tcPo2 recordings were obtained, blood samples were drawn via an indwelling arterial catheter for oxygen tension (Pao2) determination. A comparison between the Pao2 and the tcPo2 values is illustrated graphically. There was a small difference between these values in the healthy subjects, which was attributed to variations in the skin from subject to subject. In the patients, a circulatory factor may have added to differences in the absolute levels. The coefficient of correlation between Pao2 and tcPo2 was in all cases higher than 0.98. In healthy persons, Pao2 may be predicted from tcPo2. In patients, any change in Pao2, due to deterioration or improvement, is manifested in the tcPo2 curve. If one or two arterial blood measurements are performed, low as well as high Pao2 values may be predicted from tcPo2 in patients without gross circulatory impairment.

Adult↗