Resumen

CABALLERO, Angélica; MATTOS, Pablo  y  BARTOS MIKLOS, Andrés. UMBILICAL CORD VENOUS BLOOD GASES AND PACKED RED CELLS IN NEWBORNS AT HIGH ALTITUDE. Cuad. - Hosp. Clín. [online]. 2005, vol.50, n.1, pp. 25-30. ISSN 1652-6776.

BACKGROUND The hypoxic-hypobaric environment at high altitude has an effect on packed red cell volume (PRC) and blood gases. METHODS These parameters were measured in umbilical cord venous blood of healthy neonates, born of mothers who underwent pregnancy and delivery at high altitude (3.600 meters above sea level). RESULTS In a sample of 100 babies, the values found are as follows: pH: 7,279 ±0,0712; PCO₂:41,8 ± 10,66; bicarbonate: 17,231 ± 2,612; and PO₂: 20,062 ± 6,471. PRC was 16,248 ±2,355. No significant difference wasfound with reference values published atsea level. DISCUSSION We conclude that reference levels can be applied to neonates born at high altitude.

Palabras llave : Newborn; Blood gases; Packed red cell volume; Hypoxic-hypobaric environment.