End-tidal carbon dioxide underestimates plasma carbon dioxide during emergent trauma laparotomy leading to hypoventilation and misguided resuscitation: A Western Trauma Association Multicenter Study

CONCLUSION Nearly one half (45%) of patients were found to have an ETCO2 level greater than 10 mm Hg discordant from their PCO2 level. Reliance on the discordant values may have contributed to the 40% of patients in the operating room that were both acidotic and hypercarbic. Early blood gas analysis is warranted, and a lower early goal of ETCO2 should be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, level IV.
Source: The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: 2019 WTA PODIUM PAPERS Source Type: research