Which statement about oxygen therapy in neonates is true?

Which statement about oxygen therapy in neonates is true?

• A. Prolonged high FiO2 is associated with retinopathy of prematurity.
• B. Glaucoma.
• C. Cataracts.
• D. Hearing loss.

Answer: (A)

Oxygen management in premature or sick neonates centers on preventing oxygen toxicity to the developing retina. Prolonged exposure to high FiO2 is linked to retinopathy of prematurity, a condition where the immature retinal vessels respond abnormally to oxygen levels and can lead to vision problems. The mechanism involves early hyperoxia suppressing VEGF and normal vessel growth; when oxygen is later reduced, the retina becomes hypoxic and releases VEGF, driving abnormal neovascularization that can scar and pull the retina. That’s why clinicians carefully titrate oxygen and monitor saturations to keep them within safe targets, reducing the risk of ROP. Other options listed—glaucoma, cataracts, and hearing loss—are not typical direct effects of neonatal high oxygen exposure, though prematurity and its treatments can involve other risks.

Oxygen management in premature or sick neonates centers on preventing oxygen toxicity to the developing retina. Prolonged exposure to high FiO2 is linked to retinopathy of prematurity, a condition where the immature retinal vessels respond abnormally to oxygen levels and can lead to vision problems. The mechanism involves early hyperoxia suppressing VEGF and normal vessel growth; when oxygen is later reduced, the retina becomes hypoxic and releases VEGF, driving abnormal neovascularization that can scar and pull the retina. That’s why clinicians carefully titrate oxygen and monitor saturations to keep them within safe targets, reducing the risk of ROP. Other options listed—glaucoma, cataracts, and hearing loss—are not typical direct effects of neonatal high oxygen exposure, though prematurity and its treatments can involve other risks.