Oxygen targeting

It is not yet known which target range for oxygen saturation is associated with the optimal balance of risks and benefits for preterm infants. For some time, epidemiological studies have been showing lower rates of morbidity, most notably retinopathy of prematurity, as higher saturations are avoided in favour of lower targets. In 2010 the short-term results of the SUPPORT trial1 provided the first high quality evidence in this area since the 1950s and they suggest that relatively small differences in oxygenation patterns make a bigger difference to outcome than anyone thought. Results of similar trials in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are eagerly awaited. Oxygen targeting is likely to be high on the agenda in the coming years but achieving intended oxygen targets is not easy. Part of this may be that there has been a lack of strong evidence to convince clinical staff that it makes that much difference. Few would dispute that the input of the individual care giver is important. In this issue, Sink et al report their study of the effect of …