Description

Oxygen therapy is one of the most common therapies used in the neonates, especially in the preterm population. Supplemental oxygen has been shown to improve survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

However, exposure to higher oxygen saturation for prolonged periods is associated with an increased incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), cerebral palsy, periventricular leukomalacia and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Continuous pulse oximetry allows the clinician to monitor oxygen saturation and titrate oxygen therapy to target levels within a defined range. 

Evidence for oxygen saturation target ranges in the term neonates is limited. Although term neonates (>1.5kg) are not at risk of ROP, hyperoxia may have harmful effects on cerebral perfusion and exacerbate oxidative stress in the event of hypoxic ischemic injury.

Oxygen saturations should be targeted within the range of 91-95%, when receiving oxygen therapy, in both preterm and term neonates.

Apneas

Even a healthy baby can have periods where their breathing stops and starts, this is called an apnea. Apneas are common in the newborn period and decrease as your baby develops and grows. There are different types of apnea but all can occur during the infant stage and can be completely healthy and normal.

With apnea, your baby’s oxygen level will drop but likely will recover or rebound to its normal level. As your baby’s brain and muscles mature, their instances of apnea will decrease. If you notice a trend in your baby’s oxygen that looks closer to a rollercoaster, rather than a consistent line with some short dips, then you may want to reach out to your paediatrician.

What Happens if Baby Oxygen Levels are Low? – owletbabycare.co.uk/blogs/blog/low-oxygen-levels-in-baby

Neonatal Network: www.bapm.org/pages/19-neonatal-networks

Compassion Focussed Techniques Workshop: www.emnodn.nhs.uk/_files/ugd/143840_d8b5137d783b4d83a4e4947393050639.pdf

Foundations in Neonatal Care Course: www.emnodn.nhs.uk/foundations-course

Senior Neonatal Skills Refreshers: www.emnodn.nhs.uk/_files/ugd/143840_f272e4646c7244749d33a657e3d588aa.pdf

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