We assessed accuracy of monitoring transcutaneous oxygen tension (PtcO2) in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Sixteen stable individuals undergoing chronic maintenance hemodialysis were studied. Correlations between simultaneously determined PtcO2 and arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) were made both before and during dialysis. Comparisons were made with a group of 22 consecutive patients in whom respiration was mechanically assisted, who were hemodynamically stable (urine output greater than 30 mL/hour, pulse less than 130 beats/min, and mean arterial blood pressure greater than 80 mm Hg in the absence of pressor agents), and who had normal renal function.
Among CRF patients, the correlation between PtcO2 and PaO2 was poor (R = .5232, p ⩽ .05), regardless of whether determined immediately before (R = .5454, p ⩽ .05) or during hemodialysis (R = .4353, p = ⩽ .05). In contrast, the PtcO2 correlated well with PaO2 among stable, mechanically ventilated patients (R = .9822, p ⩽ .01). PtcO2 monitoring in patients with CRF requiring maintenance hemodialysis is of limited value whether performed before or during dialysis