Oxygen administration to preterm neonates in the delivery room: minimizing oxidative stress.

Abstract

Neonatal resuscitation continues to be challenged by evolving research on the best approach to resuscitating preterm infants while minimizing potential health risks. The actions of the resuscitation team in the first minutes of transition to extrauterine life can have a lasting impact on the growth and development of the preterm infant. This article reviews the most current literature on the use of oxygen in the delivery room and discusses the implications related to nursing and the multidisciplinary care team. Oxygen saturation monitoring in the delivery room through the use of pulse oximetry in conjunction with oxygen titration via a blended oxygen source is an appropriate intervention to decrease the risk of free radical damage to the tissues. Ensure delivery room providers are educated to resuscitation standards and ensure delivery rooms are appropriately supplied with a compressed air source, oxygen blenders, and pulse oximeters to minimize the free radical damage to the tissues. Future studies should be focused on pulse oximetry use in the delivery room and its effect on long-term outcomes for preterm infants, safe oxygen saturation target ranges for the preterm infant in the delivery room, and effective resuscitation procedures for extremely preterm infants.