Control of oxygenation during mechanical ventilation in the premature infant.

Maintenance of oxygen saturation targets is a demanding and tedious task because of the frequency with which oxygenation changes, especially in small infants receiving prolonged respiratory support. It is clear that the achievement of oxygenation targets can be improved by a higher nurse-to-patient ratio and by intense staff training. Automated control systems can also improve target maintenance, and this is achieved mainly by reducing exposure to hyperoxemia. The long-term benefits and safety of this strategy are yet to be determined in clinical trials.