Early Blood Gas Analysis in SARS-COV-2 Infected Patients Admitted to SMHS Hospital: A Tertiary Care Hospital in Kashmir

Inroduction: Blood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in blood. These determine the acidity of blood. The blood gas testing is generally used for detecting and monitoring lung and kidney problems. The blood gas testing measures partial pressure of oxygen (o2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2),oxygen saturation(O2Sat), bicarbonate(HCO3) concentration .

Materials and Methods: Here in study Patients aged more than 18 years confirmed Covid 19 positive by reverse transcription, PCR (RT-PCR). Patients suffering from moderate to severe Covid 19 as per WHO diagnostic guidelines and underwent at least one ABG were included in the analysis. The ABG test was done on ABG analyzer in department of Biochemistry, SMHS hospital. All the data which was related to study was gathered and recorded in case record forms using files. As well as reports of patients from medical record section.

Results: Alkaline pH was found in 57.33% individuals.36% individuals were having normal pH and the percentage of individuals having acidic pH was 6.66%. Low PaO2 was found in 45.33% individuals. Normal PaO2 levels were found in 21.33% and high PaO2 levels were found in 33.33% individuals .Low PaCO2 (<35 mmHg) were found in 56%, normal (35-45mmHg) levels were found in 37.33% and high levels (>45mmHg) were found in 6.66%. Low HCO3- (<22mmol/L) were found in 16%, normal (22-26mmol/L) in 38.66% individuals and high (>26mmol/L) were found in 45.33% individuals would be expected in the case of respiratory alkalosis.

Conclusion: Regular ABG monitoring can aid in the early detection of silent hypoxia, and respiratory injury. With early management start-up, many lives can be spared with early diagnosis.