Continuous home monitoring of transcutaneous O₂ and CO₂ tensions in patients with respiratory insuffiency due to muscular dystrophy

Abstract

Transcutaneous measurements of oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions (tcpO₂ and tcpCO₂) in two adult patients suffering from muscular dystrophy is described. By measuring tcpO₂ and tcpCO₂ during daily physical activity in an out-clinic patient, it is possible to get a better understanding of the patient's variable respiratory requirements and the respiratory care needed.

It might also be possible by intermittent monitoring of tcpO₂ and tcpCO₂ to reveal a progressive respiratory involvement not otherwise detectable in patients with muscular dystrophy, even without actual respiratory insufficiency.

Key-words:

• Blood gases
• transcutaneous electrodes
• respiratory therapy