Influence of Oxygen Target Range on Intermittent Hypoxemia in Preterm Infants

Influence of Oxygen Target Range on Intermittent Hypoxemia in Preterm Infants

In this randomized crossover trial, preterm infants with intermittent hypoxemia and need for supplemental oxygen will be randomized to either Sequence of two different oxygen target ranges (low: 85-89%; high: 91-95%) for a total duration of 19 hours. Cerebral oxygenation, cardiac output, arterial oxygenation and heart rate will be measured continuously. Primary outcome is time with arterial oxygen saturation < 80%.

Inclusion Criteria:

• preterm infant < 29 weeks gestation
• at least 8 hypoxemic events during 8 hours
• requires supplemental oxygen to achieve high SpO2 target range
• parental consent given

Exclusion Criteria:

• congenital life-threatening malformation
• fatal outcome expected
• airway malformation
• higher grade intraventricular bleeding (grade III or IV according to LA Papile)
• posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus
• life-threatening disease at the time of study entry