Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Isolation of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells from Neonatal Mice
Published on: October 19, 2013
[Rethinking oxygen therapy for premature infants in terms of oxidative stress]
Chao-Jung Yuan1, Yi-Ming Hua, Tzu-Ying Lee
1Department of Nursing, National Taipei College of Nursing, ROC.
Insights
Oxygen therapy is crucial for premature infants but can cause oxidant injury. This review guides neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses on safe oxygen practices to prevent complications and improve infant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal medicine and intensive care
- Pediatric respiratory and critical care
Context:
- Oxygen therapy is a standard intervention for premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
- Premature infants possess underdeveloped antioxidant defenses, increasing susceptibility to oxidant injury.
- Several common complications in premature infants, including retinopathy, chronic lung disease, intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia, are linked to secondary oxidant injuries.
Purpose:
- To explore the complex relationship between oxygen administration and the development of complications in premature infants.
- To provide NICU nurses with updated concepts and best practices for oxygen therapy.
- To minimize oxygen-related complications and enhance the health and quality of life for premature infants.
Summary:
- This article examines how oxygen therapy, while essential, can contribute to oxidant-related morbidities in premature neonates.
- It details common neonatal complications potentially exacerbated by oxidative stress from oxygen exposure.
- Evidence-based guidelines for appropriate oxygen use in the NICU are discussed to mitigate risks.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of oxygen's dual role in neonatal care, balancing therapeutic benefits with potential harm.
- Empowerment of NICU nurses with knowledge to implement safer oxygen protocols.
- Potential reduction in the incidence and severity of major neonatal morbidities, leading to better long-term outcomes for premature infants.
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.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Oxygen Transport in the Blood
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Respiration and Gaseous Exchange
Respiration involves the exchange of gases, especially oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the alveoli and body cells, a process facilitated by blood circulation. As a result, the cardiovascular system, which involves the...
