Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Graded oxygen saturation targets and retinopathy of prematurity in extremely preterm infants
Rowena Cayabyab1,2, Vasudha Arora3, Fiona Wertheimer1,2
1Division of Neonatal Medicine, LAC+USC Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
Background:
We compared the incidence of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and need for laser treatment before and after implementing graded pulse oximeter oxygen saturation (SpO2) targets in extremely preterm infants. Mortality and other secondary outcomes were compared.
Methods:
Before 2002, we used 90-94% as the SpO2 target in infants 24(0/7)-27(6/7)wk gestation and birth weight <1,000 g until 35(6/7) wk postmenstrual age (PMA). We implemented graded SpO2 targets based on vaso-obliterative and vaso-proliferative phases of ROP in 2002. Group 1 (1995-2001) before, and Group 2 (2003-2010) after implementation of graded SpO2 targets based on PMA (83-89% until 32(6/7) wk, 90-94% until 35(6/7) wk and >94% at ≥ 36 wk PMA).
Results:
There were 267 patients in Group 1 and 220 in Group 2. There was no significant difference in birth weight or gestational age. Severe ROP (adjusted OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.30; P < 0.001) and laser surgery rates (adjusted OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.52; P < 0.001) decreased significantly in Group 2. There was no difference in mortality (adjusted OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.37, 1.49; P = 0.40).
Conclusion:
In this retrospective cohort study, implementation of graded SpO2 targets decreased severe ROP and need for laser therapy, without increasing mortality.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is...
Pulse Oximetry
Purpose
Average SpO2 values are greater than 95%. If the readings fall below 90%, it indicates that...
Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
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,...
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...
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...

