Objective
To investigate, if preterm infants with an arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) below 80% at 5 minutes of age also show a different course of regional cerebral oxygenation, compared to infants reaching the recommended SpO2 target of 80% at 5 minutes. 

Methods
Retrospective analysis of 5 prospective observational studies. Regional cerebral oxygenation was measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during the first 15 minutes after birth. The NIRO 200-NX and INVOS 5100 devices were used. In addition, SpO2 and heart rate (HR) were monitored using pulse oximetry. Only preterm infants, <37 weeks of gestation, with respiratory support during delivery room stabilization were included.
According to the SpO2, infants were divided into two groups: those with a 5 minute SpO2 ≥80% (≥80% group) and those with a 5 minute SpO2 <80% (<80% group). Groups were compared to each other regarding regional cerebral oxygenation (crSO2/ cTOI), SpO2 and HR.
Furthermore, we analysed whether not reaching a SpO2 of 80% at 5 minutes was associated with a regional cerebral oxygenation below the 10th percentile at the same time point.

Results
146 preterm neonates were included. 68 infants (47%) were allocated to the “≥80% group” and 78 infants (53%) to the “<80% group”. Preterm neonates in the “<80% group” had a significantly lower crSO2 and cTOI (p <0.001 and 0.033). 
There were significantly more infants of the “<80% group” with a regional cerebral oxygenation below the 10th percentile at 5 minutes of age.
There was a significant difference in HR between both groups (p= 0.041).

Conclusion
Preterm infants with respiratory support during delivery room stabilzation, which do not reach the SpO2 target of 80% at 5 minutes after birth, have also an impaired regional cerebral oxygenation.

03 - OXYGEN SATURATION TARGETING DURING DELIVERY ROOM STABILIZATION: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR REGIONAL CEREBRAL OXYGENATION?