Association between umbilical cord artery <scp>pCO</scp>₂ and the Apgar score; elevated levels of <scp>pCO</scp>₂ may be beneficial for neonatal vitality after moderate acidemia

Abstract

Metabolic acidosis affects the newborn's vitality more than respiratory acidosis. In addition, elevated levels of pCO₂ may be beneficial for fetuses with moderate acidemia, and thus cord artery pCO₂ is a factor that should be considered when assessing the compromised newborn.