Oxygen saturation targeting by automatic control of inspired oxygen in premature infants

Abstract

Maintenance of oxygen saturation targets and avoidance of extreme high and low levels of oxygenation in premature infants are difficult because of their respiratory instability and staff time limitations. Automated control of inspired oxygen is being proposed as a strategy to improve oxygenation targeting in these infants. This article presents the factors that affect oxygenation targeting, describes the systems for closed-loop control of oxygen, and discusses the evidence on their efficacy and limitations.