Evidence for oxygen use in preterm infants.

AIM: To review the evidence for optimal oxygen use in preterm infants.

RESULTS

Clinicians have embraced lower saturation targets to minimize retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Large randomized trials now have shown that while such targets reduce ROP, neonatal mortality is increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm infants should be resuscitated with blended oxygen (30-90%) targeted to avoid hyperoxia. Later, saturation management remains uncertain. Until ongoing trials and follow-up are complete, it is prudent to avoid saturation of 85-89%.