Oxygen Saturation Limits for Premature Babies: The Final Word for Now

An oxygen saturation target of 91%–95% reduces early and late mortality for extremely preterm infants.

Five large trials from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.K. compared outcomes in extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks' gestation) randomized to management with oxygen saturation targets of either 85%–89% or 91%–95% (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Mar 2013 and N Engl J Med 2012:367:2495; NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Jul 2013 and JAMA 2013; 309:2111; NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Jul 2013 and N Engl J Med 2013; 368:2094). Researchers now report results of a planned meta-analysis of individual patient data.

Among 4965 patients (median gestational age, 26 weeks), rates of the primary composite outcome of death or major disability at 18 to 24 months' corrected age did not differ significantly between the lower and higher target satura…

Reviewing Author

Robin H. 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 H. 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 Limits for Premature Babies: The Final Word for Now

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Reviewing Author