Growth Outcomes of Preterm Infants Exposed to Different Oxygen Saturation Target Ranges from Birth

Abstract

To test whether infants randomized to a lower oxygen saturation (peripheral capillary oxygen saturation [SpO2]) target range while on supplemental oxygen from birth will have better growth velocity from birth to 36weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) and less growth failure at 36weeks PMA and 18-22months corrected age. We evaluated a subgroup of 810 preterm infants from the Surfactant, Positive Pressure, and Oxygenation Randomized Trial, randomized at birth to lower (85%-89%, n=402, PMA 26±1weeks, birth weight 839±186g) or higher (91%-95%, n=408, PMA 26±1weeks, birth weight 840±191g) SpO2 target ranges. Anthropometric measures were obtained at birth, postnatal days 7, 14, 21, and 28; then at 32 and 36weeks PMA; and 18-22months corrected age. Growth velocities were estimated with the exponential method and analyzed with linear mixed models. Poor growth outcome, defined as weight <10th percentile at 36weeks PMA and 18-22months corrected age, was compared across the 2 treatment groups by the use of robust Poisson regression. Growth outcomes including growth at 36weeks PMA and 18-22months corrected age, as well as growth velocity were similar in the lower and higher SpO2 target groups. Targeting different oxygen saturation ranges between 85% and 95% from birth did not impact growth velocity or reduce growth failure in preterm infants.