Air, Not Oxygen, Should Be Used First for Neonatal Resuscitation

"Air should be used for initial neonatal resuscitation, and oxygen should be reserved for backup, according to a meta-analysis published in the Oct. 9 issue of The Lancet. 'International consensus statements for resuscitation of newborn infants recommend provision of 100% oxygen with positive pressure if assisted ventilation is required,' write Peter G. Davis, MD, from Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues. 'However, 100% oxygen exacerbates reperfusion injury in animals and reduces cerebral perfusion in newborn babies.'"