Pediatric ABG Analysis Tool
Systematic 5-Step Method for Pediatric Patients
Enter Patient Information & ABG Values
📖 User Guide - How to Use This Tool
🎯 Overview
This Pediatric ABG Analysis Tool uses a systematic 5-step method to interpret arterial blood gas values in pediatric patients from neonates to adolescents. It provides age-specific normal ranges and detailed clinical interpretations.
📝 Required Information
- Age Group: Select the appropriate age category (Neonate, Infant, Child, or Adolescent) - this adjusts normal reference ranges
- pH: Must be between 6.8-7.8 (normal: 7.35-7.45)
- PaCO₂: Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in mmHg (normal: 35-45)
- HCO₃⁻: Bicarbonate level in mEq/L (normal: 22-26)
- PaO₂: Partial pressure of oxygen in mmHg (age-dependent normal values)
- Na⁺ & Cl⁻: Optional but required for anion gap calculation in metabolic acidosis
🔢 The 5-Step Analysis Method
Step 1: Assess Oxygenation
Evaluates PaO₂ against age-specific normal ranges to determine if hypoxemia is present.
Step 2: Determine pH Status
Identifies if the patient has acidemia (pH < 7.35), alkalemia (pH > 7.45), or normal pH.
Step 3: Identify Primary Disorder
Determines if the primary problem is respiratory (PaCO₂) or metabolic (HCO₃⁻) based on pH deviation.
Step 4: Check Compensation
Uses clinical formulas (Winter's Formula, etc.) to determine if appropriate physiologic compensation is occurring.
Step 5: Calculate Anion Gap (if applicable)
For metabolic acidosis, calculates anion gap to differentiate between normal gap (NAGMA) and high gap (HAGMA) causes.
🧮 Key Formulas Used
- Anion Gap: Na⁺ - (Cl⁻ + HCO₃⁻)
- Winter's Formula: Expected PaCO₂ = (1.5 × HCO₃⁻) + 8 (±2)
- Metabolic Alkalosis: Expected PaCO₂ = 40 + [0.7 × (HCO₃⁻ - 24)] (±5)
- Respiratory Compensation Rules: Different rates for acute vs. chronic disorders
🎨 Understanding the Results
- Blue boxes: Show your entered values and calculations
- Purple gradient: Displays the final diagnosis
- Yellow boxes: List common pediatric causes specific to the disorder found
- Green notice: Shows age-specific normal values for reference
- Light blue formula boxes: Display the mathematical formulas being applied
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Always select the correct age group first - normal values vary significantly by age
- For metabolic acidosis cases, include Na⁺ and Cl⁻ for complete analysis
- Review the compensation analysis to identify mixed disorders
- Check the common causes section for age-appropriate differential diagnoses
- Values are case-sensitive: ensure PaCO₂ is in mmHg and HCO₃⁻ in mEq/L
⚠️ Important Notes
- This tool is for educational purposes and clinical decision support
- Always correlate results with clinical presentation and other diagnostic findings
- Neonates have different normal ranges than older children
- Mixed disorders may require additional clinical assessment
- In critically ill patients, serial ABG monitoring may be necessary
🔍 Age-Specific Considerations
Neonates (0-28 days): Lower normal PaO₂ (60-80 mmHg), slightly lower pH range acceptable
Infants (1-12 months): Transitional values, common causes include bronchiolitis, pyloric stenosis
Children (1-12 years): Adult-like values, consider croup, asthma, DKA
Adolescents (13-18 years): Adult normal ranges apply
📱 Browser Compatibility
This tool works best on modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). All calculations are performed locally in your browser - no data is sent to any server.