The role of oxygen in neonatal resuscitation

This article summarizes recent experimental and clinical data regarding resuscitation of the newborn infant with 21% or 100% O-2. These data indicate that newborn resuscitation can be performed efficiently and safely with 21% O-2, and that exposure of the newborn to pure oxygen even for a brief period might be toxic. Whether room air resuscitation is optimal for all newborn infants in need of resuscitation is not fully known; therefore, pure oxygen should always be at hand for resuscitation and given sparingly when needed.