Arterial oxygen saturation in relation to metabolic acidosis in fetal lambs
Article Abstract:
Fetal lambs appear able to compensate for a substantial drop in oxygen supply. Eighteen ewes underwent surgery to install sensing devices in the fetal lamb, including a device that measures oxygen saturation of the blood and catheters to withdraw blood samples for analysis. Oxygen supply to the lambs was controlled either via a tracheal catheter in the ewe or a device that could partially block an artery supplying the uterus. After recovery from surgery, oxygen supply was reduced in a stepwise manner to discover the point at which the lamb switched from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, as measured by oxygen saturation levels and blood chemistry. All fetuses could tolerate some drop in oxygen supply, ranging 20% to 30% lower. Finally, oxygen saturation levels were reached where no fetus could compensate. New monitoring devices are under development to measure oxygen saturation in the human fetus during labor. Studies must be done to determine thresholds for intervention.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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Decreased relative brain tissue levels of inositol in fetal hydrocephalus
Article Abstract:
A nutrient called inositol may be involved in the development of the brain and nervous system, according to a study of 36 normal babies and 10 babies with hydrocephalus. Proton MRI scans revealed less inositol in the brain tissue of the babies who had hydrocephalus compared to the other babies. Hydrocephalus is the medical term for water on the brain, meaning the baby's brain is smaller than normal and the rest of the skull is filled with fluid.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2003
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Metabolic information from the human fetal brain obtained with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Article Abstract:
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be used to monitor brain metabolism in fetuses, according to a study of 21 pregnant women. Inositol, choline, creatine, and N-acetylaspartate can be visualized although the N-acetylaspartate signal can be contaminated by other lipids.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2001
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