Resuscitation outcomes of infants that do not achieve a 5 min target SpO2 saturation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine differences in the duration and level of resuscitation between infants that achieve a peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 80% by 5 min compared with those who remain below 80% saturation.

STUDY

DESIGN

Infants < 32 weeks GA were analyzed. Pulse rate, SpO2, airway pressure, and fraction of inspired oxygen were collected during the first 10 min of life.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty-four infants were analyzed of which 100 had SpO2 < 80% at 5 min of life. Composite outcome of death and any IVH was greater in the <80% at 5 min group. These infants had lower heart rates and lower SpO2 despite increased mean airway pressure and higher FiO2 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Infants <32 weeks GA that do not achieve a peripheral arterial saturation of 80% by 5 min of life experience more death or severe IVH. This association is amongst the strongest seen of any predictor of morbidity in the delivery room.