Resuscitation of newborn infants with 100% oxygen or air: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background International consensus statements for resuscitation of newborn infants recommend provision of 100% oxygen with positive pressure if assisted ventilation is required. However, 100% oxygen exacerbates reperfusion injury in animals and reduces cerebral perfusion in newborn babies. We aimed to establish whether resuscitation with air decreased mortality or neurological disability in newborn infants compared with 100% oxygen. Methods We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials that compared resuscitation with air versus 100% oxygen, using the methods of the Cochrane Collaboration. We combined data for similar outcomes in the analysis where appropriate, using a fixed-effects..