[Rethinking oxygen therapy for premature infants in terms of oxidative stress]

Abstract

Oxygen therapy is one of the most common interventions in the care of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Premature infants are at risk of oxidant injury due to inadequate anti-oxidant defenses. Common complications of premature infants such as retinopathy, chronic lung disease, intraventricular hemorrhaging, and periventricular leukomalacia may also be associated with secondary oxidant injuries. This article explores relationships between oxygen and complications linked to premature delivery. It also outlines correct concepts and practices of oxygen therapy for NICU nurses to reduce the oxygen-related complications associated with premature births and promote the health and life quality of premature infants.