Oxygen administration in the care of neonates: a double-edged sword.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of oxygen in neonates in the past, present and future.

DATA SOURCES: The data are mainly from Pubmed with relevant published articles from the 1940s to the present with some information gathered from web searches.

STUDY SELECTION: Studies evaluating the use of oxygen in premature and term infants through history with original milestone articles included.

RESULTS

There are still many unknowns about the proper use of oxygen in preterm and term infants but many studies suggest that both liberal use (resulting in a blood oxygen saturation of greater than 94%) as well as restrictive use (resulting in a blood oxygen saturation of less than 80% - 85%) are detrimental and have long term consequences on the infant.

CONCLUSIONS

Definitive studies evaluating the appropriate concentration and duration of supplemental oxygen are ongoing and will help in the management of term and preterm infants requiring oxygen.