Transcutaneous oxygen tension measurement (TcP02) quickly provides accurate information on the need for oxygenation of sick and healthy neonates. Two electrodes, one on the right chest, the other on the abdomen, can be used to identify a right-to-left shunt via a patent ductus arteriosus in the newborn infant. This technique in our hands allowed the successful management of an infant with persistent fetal circulation and aided in the evaluation of tolazoline therapy for that condition. Two-site TcP02 monitoring may be a substitute for, or a valuable adjunct to, more invasive pulmonary artery pressure monitoring in the infant with persistent fetal circulation.
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