UC Davis

Background

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommends initial resuscitation of preterm infants with low oxygen (O₂) followed by titration to target preductal saturations (SpO₂). We studied the effect of resuscitation with titrated O₂ on gas exchange, pulmonary, and systemic hemodynamics.

Methodology

Twenty-nine preterm lambs (127 d gestation) were randomized to resuscitation with 21% O₂ (n = 7), 100% O₂ (n = 6), or initiation at 21% and titrated to target SpO₂ (n = 16). Seven healthy term control lambs were ventilated with 21% O₂.

Results

Preductal SpO₂ achieved by titrating O₂ was within the desired range similar to term lambs in 21% O₂. Resuscitation of preterm lambs with 21% and 100% O₂ resulted in SpO₂ below and above the target, respectively. Ventilation of preterm lambs with 100% O₂ and term lambs with 21% O₂ effectively decreased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). In contrast, preterm lambs with 21% O₂ and titrated O₂ demonstrated significantly higher PVR than term lambs on 21% O₂.

Conclusion(s)

Initial resuscitation with 21% O₂ followed by titration of O₂ led to suboptimal pulmonary vascular transition at birth in preterm lambs. Ventilation with 100% O₂ in preterm lambs caused hyperoxia but reduced PVR similar to term lambs on 21% O₂. Studies evaluating the initiation of resuscitation at a higher O₂ concentration followed by titration based on SpO₂ in preterm neonates are needed.