LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Leading child health experts are sounding the alarm over the improper use of oxygen therapy in premature newborns, warning that unregulated administration can lead to devastating outcomes, including permanent blindness, brain damage, chronic lung disease, and even death.
While oxygen is essential for saving the lives of preterm babies, experts emphasize that excessive or unmonitored use poses serious health risks that are entirely preventable with proper protocols.
Highlighting the complications, pediatricians identified conditions such as Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) as two of the most common complications caused by high oxygen exposure.
ROP, they explained, results from abnormal blood vessel development in the retina, which can lead to irreversible blindness if not caught early. BPD, on the other hand, is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult for infants and often requires long-term support.
“Blindness caused by ROP is entirely preventable if oxygen is properly monitored. Unfortunately, many neonatal units still rely on outdated practices, using high concentrations of oxygen without close monitoring,” said Prof. Aminu Mohammad, a pediatric surgeon at Bayero University.
Mohammad warned that oxygen toxicity affects more than just the eyes and lungs. It can damage vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, especially in extremely preterm infants with underdeveloped systems.
According to him, this can result in seizures, cognitive delays, and long-term neurological impairment. Therefore, to reduce these risks, he recommended beginning oxygen therapy with low concentrations during neonatal resuscitation.
Mohammad further emphasized the importance of using short binasal prongs rather than oxygen hoods, which can expose infants to uncontrolled oxygen levels. Additionally, he called for the implementation of unit-specific oxygen policies that clearly outline when to initiate or discontinue therapy, appropriate saturation targets, and safe delivery methods.
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Crucially, he highlighted the need for continuous pulse oximetry to provide real-time monitoring of oxygen saturation, enabling healthcare providers to make timely and accurate adjustments.
Calling pulse oximetry the “fifth vital sign,” Mohammad said real-time monitoring helps healthcare workers titrate oxygen levels to avoid both under-oxygenation (hypoxia) and over-oxygenation (hyperoxia).
Echoing these concerns, an Associate Professor at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Dr. Olufemi Akodu, emphasized the need for strict adherence to oxygen guidelines in neonatal care, particularly in under-resourced hospitals.
He noted that symptoms of oxygen toxicity, such as seizures, breathing difficulties, and developmental delays, often appear late, after significant damage has occurred.
“In many cases, reducing oxygen concentration immediately can reverse early signs of toxicity. But prevention through training, equipment, and awareness is far more effective,” Akodu explained.
Notably, the experts urged Nigerian hospitals to invest in training healthcare workers, especially in rural areas, to recognize early warning signs and adjust therapy safely. They also called for nationwide policies on safe oxygen use to prevent avoidable deaths and life-altering complications in newborns.
