[Risks involved in oxygen therapy in newborns and premature babies (author's transl)]

Oxygen supply in dyspnea syndrome in newborns can produce changes in the retina and fibrotic syndrome in the lungs. Reversal of the changes depends on the duration of exposure to O2 and on the O2 concentration in the inspired air. The mechanism of toxic action are described and additional causes for the development of lung fibrosis discussed. Therapeutic consequences in respect of oxygen treatment of newborns are derived from the results of the study.