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Clinical practices in neonatal oxygenation: where have we failed? What can we do?

Journal of Perinatology volume 28, pages S28–S34 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction:

Oxygen is among the most frequently used therapies in neonates worldwide. Nevertheless, many times it is used unnecessarily. Neonatal practices have changed over the last several years; treatments originally believed to be beneficial have been discarded.

Study Design:

Oxygen utilized ‘just in case’ or ‘prophylactically’ can lead to great damage previously ignored and/or unseen by healthcare providers.

Conclusion:

It is imperative to improve education on neonatal oxygenation and saturation monitoring. It is also important not to depend on old assumptions, which were not based on evidences. The potential for unseen damage at the cellular and tissue levels cannot be ignored. Therapies that prove to be outdated or even dangerous must be eliminated while further research and confirmation of the best practices are determined. Freedom to choose can come at a price.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mid Atlantic Neonatology Associates and Atlantic Neonatal Research Institute, Atlantic Health System, Morristown, NJ, USA

    A Sola, Y P Saldeño & V Favareto

  2. Complejo Hospitalario de Ourense, Ourense, España

    Y P Saldeño

  3. Hospital Provincial de Rosario. Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

    V Favareto

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  1. A Sola
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  2. Y P Saldeño
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  3. V Favareto
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Correspondence to A Sola.

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Sola, A., Saldeño, Y. & Favareto, V. Clinical practices in neonatal oxygenation: where have we failed? What can we do?. J Perinatol 28 (Suppl 1), S28–S34 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2008.47

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