A lower oxygen-saturation target decreases retinopathy of prematurity but increases mortality in premature infants

摘要

Intervention Infants were assigned to a higher (91%-95% saturation) or lower (85%-89% saturation) target saturation range. Halfway through the trials, the oximeter-calibration algorithm was revised.Outcomes Rates of ROP and mortality at hospital discharge.Main results A total of 2448 infants were recruited. Among the 1187 infants whose treatment used the revised oximeter-calibration algorithm, the rate of death was significantly higher in the lower-target group than in the higher-target group (23.1% vs 15.9%, number needed to harm 14; 95% CI 9-37). There was heterogeneity for mortality between the original algorithm and the revised algorithm (P = .006) but not for other outcomes.