Simulation of respiratory gas exchange in the placenta

Abstract

© 2018 University of Minho. All rights reserved.This work evaluates the gas exchange between a fetus circulatory system and the mother’s, which occurs in the placenta. Oxygen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide transport were analyzed. Carbon monoxide is one of the most common air pollutants in cities and it has a significant impact in physiological conditions even in low concentration. These effects are particularly prejudicial for pregnant women, fetus and newborn babies. A carbon monoxide transportation model, from literature, is adapted to simulate a pregnant woman. The respiratory gas exchange in the placenta is modeled, so it is possible to evaluate the concentration of the different gases. In this way, it is possible to assess carbon monoxide concentration in fetus and evaluate its effects. Exergy analysis are performed for both mother’s and fetus’ respiratory systems, in other to compare it to the respiratory system of a male adult. It is possible to verify that the fetus was more affected by CO poisoning than the adults, although it HbCO rate is significantly reduced compared to maternal’s.