In-vivo measurement of intrauterine gases and acid-base values early in human pregnancy

A new multiparameter sensor that combines electrochemical and fibre-optic technology was used for continuous in-vivo investigation of pH, carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO(2)), oxygen partial pressure (PO(2)), bicarbonate concentration (HCO(3)(-)), base excess, and oxygen saturation (O(2)Sat) early in human pregnancy. The sensor was inserted into the amniotic cavity and the placental bed of 16 pregnancies at 10-15 weeks gestation, before termination under general anaesthesia, Amniotic fluid and retroplacental blood from the same site were also aspirated and analysed by means of cartridges and a portable blood gas analyser. Eleven series of measurements were obtained. The variation in measurements over the 5 min of monitoring was less than or equal to 10% for all parameters. The sensor was damaged during insertion into the amniotic cavity in one case and in the placental bed in four cases. Measurements of PO(2) in both the amniotic cavity and the placental bed and of pH in the placental bed were higher using the cartridges than in vivo. The results indicated that in-vivo monitoring of fetoplacental gas and acid-base with a sensor is stable and accurate. Such technology will be helpful in improving our understanding of the fetoplacental metabolism in normal and complicated pregnancies.