Oxygen Saturation Targets in Extremely Preterm Infants: Setting Limits

This study supports clinical practices that maintain strict pulse oximeter alarm limits and minimize exposure to hypoxia (<85%) and hyperoxia (>95%).

Preterm birth interrupts the normal trajectory of fetal development programmed to occur in the low-oxygen intrauterine environment. Complications of extreme prematurity (gestational age, <27 weeks), such as retinopathy of prematurity and chronic lung disease, are believed to arise in part from exposure to relative hyperoxia. Pulse oximetry provides the means to continuously monitor oxygenation, but objective evidence is needed to guide optimal oxygen saturation ranges for the smallest babies.

Three large randomized studies have examined whether aiming for oxygen saturations in the lower (85%–89%) versus upper (91%–95%) end of the common clinical range might reduce morbidity and improve outcomes for extremely premature infants. Two trials (BO…

Reviewing Author

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Oxygen Saturation Targets in Extremely Preterm Infants: Setting Limits

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Reviewing Author