Clinical Parameters in the First 5 Minutes after Birth Have a Predictive Value for Survival of Extremely Preterm Infants

Abstract

Extreme preterm infants (<28 weeks' gestation) often require positive pressure ventilation with oxygen during postnatal stabilization in the delivery room. To date, optimal inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) still represents a conundrum in newborn care oscillating between higher (>60%) and lower (<30%) initial FiO2. Recent evidence and meta-analyses have underscored the predictive value for survival and/or relevant clinical outcomes of the Apgar score and the achievement of arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry ≥85% at 5 minutes after birth. New clinical trials comparing higher versus lower initial FiO2 have been launched aiming to optimize postnatal stabilization of extreme preterm while avoiding adverse effects of hypoxemia or hyperoxemia.