Similar adverse outcome rates with high or low oxygen saturation targets in an area with low background mortality

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Nina Willgerodt - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • Christoph Bührer - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Rainer Rossi - , Vivantes Klinikum Neukolln (Author)
  • Thomas Kühn - , Vivantes Klinikum Neukolln (Author)
  • Mario Rüdiger - , Department of Paediatrics (Author)
  • Stefan Avenarius - , Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Author)
  • Ralf Böttger - , Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Author)
  • Dirk M. Olbertz - , Hospital Südstadt (Author)
  • Hans Proquitte - , Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Author)
  • Hans Jörg Bittrich - , Fresenius AG (Author)
  • Roland Haase - , Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Helios Clinics Duisburg (Author)
  • Matthias Fröhlich - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Sybille Höhne - , Helios Clinics Duisburg (Author)
  • Ulrich H. Thome - , Leipzig University (Author)

Abstract

Background: Randomized controlled trials have indicated reduced mortality rates in very preterm infants assigned to high compared to low oxygen saturation (SpO2) target levels, accompanied by higher rates of retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. However, the benefit-to-harm ratio may depend on the local background mortality risk. We therefore aimed to quantify the risk–benefit ratios of different SpO2 target ranges in 10 tertiary newborn intensive care units (NICUs) in East Germany. Methods: In a retrospective multicenter study, 1,399 infants born between 2008 and 2012 at a gestational age between 24 0/7 and 27 6/7 weeks and with a birthweight below 1,250 g were grouped according to the hospital's target SpO2 range [high oxygen saturation group (HOSG) above 90%], low oxygen saturation group (LOSG) below 90%] and the compliance of units with their target SpO2 range. The association between neonatal morbidities, neurodevelopmental outcomes, selected treatment strategies, and target SpO2 ranges was calculated using chi-squared and Mann Whitney U tests. Results: Nine of the ten participating NICUs met their SpO2 target ranges. Five units were considered as HOSG, and five units were considered as LOSG. Necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage grade ≥ 2 occurred significantly more frequently in the HOSG than in the LOSG (8.4% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.02; and 26.6% vs. 17.7%, p < 0.001). No significant differences in the mortality rate and the rate of retinopathy of prematurity were found. Conclusion: In our patient population, a lower SpO2 target range was not associated with increased safety risks in extremely preterm infants. We cannot be sure that our outcome differences are associated with differences in oxygen saturations due to the retrospective study design and the differences in site practices.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number1235877
JournalFrontiers in pediatrics
Volume11
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, mortality, necrotizing enterocolitis, oxygen dilemma, oxygen saturation, preterm infant, retinopathy of prematurity