Acid-base balance in complete transposition of the great vessels.

Abstract

Blood samples were taken from pulmonary vein and systemic artery in 19 children with complete transposition of the great vessels, and were analyzed for O2 and CO2 tensions and pH. Of the 19, 11 had a ventricular septal defect (with pulmonary stenosis in 4), while 8 had an intact ventricular septum. In all of them the pulmonary vein PCO2 [carbon dioxide pressure] was lower and the pH higher than in the aorta. Lactate/pyruvate ratio was measured in 10 out of 19 patients and was highest in the 2 who had the lowest systemic arterial saturation.