What is the risk of high oxygen exposure in preterm infants, and what practice helps mitigate this risk?

• A. Risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and oxidative stress; maintain oxygen saturations within target ranges and titrate FiO2 carefully.
• B. No risk; high oxygen is safe.
• C. Risk of dehydration; ensure fluids.
• D. Risk of hyperglycemia; monitor sugar.

Answer: (B)

High oxygen exposure in preterm infants poses a real risk for oxidative stress and retinopathy of prematurity. The immature retina and limited antioxidant defenses in these babies can be overwhelmed by excess oxygen, leading to vascular injury and abnormal blood vessel growth that can impair vision. The best way to lessen this risk is careful oxygen management: continuously monitor oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter, keep saturations within the targeted range established by the NICU, and titrate FiO2 to stay within those targets. This means adjusting oxygen delivery promptly to avoid prolonged hyperoxia while still ensuring adequate tissue oxygenation. Using appropriate delivery devices and minimizing unnecessary oxygen exposure are additional steps that support safer oxygen use.