title: [Continuous transcutaneous measurement of pO2 in foetuses - critical appraisal of the method (author's transl)].
abstract: An attempt is made for critical assessment of the method of continuous intrapartum transcutaneous measurement of pO2 in foetuses and its importance to research and practice, with reference being made to the authors' own experience and to evaluation of data published elsewhere. - The method has stood its test when used on newborns but proved to be quite problematic when applied to foetuses. Safe application of the electrode, pressure by surrounding tissue on the electrode, and pressure on the measuring point (variation of O2 diffusion path and circulatory disorders) were found to be the major problems. Feigned foetal oxygen curves may be produced even from erroneously applied electrodes. Very critical evaluation of the curves is, therefore, necessary, and false representation of foetal O2 supply cannot be ruled out. - Transcutaneous O2 measurement is used in research and can provide valuable information on physiological  and pathological developments. It can be a useful complementary technique to cardiotocography. The method, in its present form, is of little clinical usefulness to the obstetric practitioner.
mesh_terms: D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D010092:Oximetry / Q000379:methods*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D010313:Partial Pressure; D011247:Pregnancy; D012535:Scalp
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen
vernacular_title: Kontinuierliche transkutane pO2-Messung am Feten unter der Geburt. Beitrag zur Kritik der methode.