Hyperoxemia within the First Hour of Life Is Associated with Moderate to Severe Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(13)00508-8/abstract

see the editorial for this Oxygen Paradox (The phenomenon in which oxygen supplementation following a period of oxygen deficiency augments the injury is known as the “oxygen paradox.”) phenomenon at this link http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(13)00701-4/fulltext

 120 infants at ≥36 weeks gestational age with perinatal acidosis born at Parkland Hospital who qualified for a screening neurologic exam for cooling therapy. Based on a PaO₂ measurement during the first hour of life, the cohort was divided into infants with hyperoxemia (PaO₂ >100 mmHg) and those without hyperoxemia (PaO₂ ≤100 mmHg).

Results

Thirty-six infants (30%) had an initial PaO₂ >100 mmHg. Infants with and without hyperoxemia had similar baseline maternal and infant characteristics. Infants with hyperoxemia had a higher incidence of HIE than those without hyperoxemia (58% vs 27%; P = .003). Admission hyperoxemia was associated with a higher risk of HIE (OR, 4; 95% CI, 1.4-10.5; adjusted P = .01). Among the neonates with moderate-severe HIE during the first 6 hours of life, those with hyperoxemia had a higher incidence of abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging results, consistent with hypoxic ischemic injury, compared with those without hyperoxemia (79% vs 33%; P = .015).

Conclusion

In neonates with perinatal acidemia, admission hyperoxemia is associated with a higher incidence of HIE. Among neonates with HIE, admission hyperoxemia is associated with abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings. The judicious use of oxygen during and after resuscitation is warranted.