Comparison of arterial CO estimation by end-tidal and transcutaneous CO measurements in intubated children and variability with subject related factors.

Transcutaneous PCO (PCO) and end-tidal PCO (PCO) measurement methods serve as alternatives to arterial PCO (PaCO), providing continuous non-invasive monitoring. The objective of this study was to evaluate the PCO and PCO methods with actual PaCO levels, and to assess the variability of measurements in relation to subject-related factors, such as skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness and presence of pulmonary diseases. PCO, PCO and PaCO were measured at the same time in intubated pediatric subjects.