Evaluation of Capnography to Predict Arterial PCO2 in Neurosurgical Patients

Abstract

This study was designed to see if capnography could be used to predict PaCO2 so as to adjust ventilation to maintain PaCO2 within the desired range in head-injured patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation. It was further designed to see if PETCO2 could accurately predict PaCO2 based on only one arterial blood gas (ABG) measurement or if more frequent, i.e., daily, ABG measurements were required.