Background
Resuscitating the newborn at birth with 100% oxygen is known to increase the oxidative burden with concomitant deleterious effects [1]. The latest International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) guidelines recommend that “for babies born at term it is best to begin resuscitation with air rather than 100% oxygen” and that “administration of supplementary oxygen should be guided by oximetry” [2]. However, for preterm infants, the optimal fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) to start resuscitation is still unknown. The ILCOR states that “blended oxygen and air may be given judiciously” and “both hyperoxemia and hypoxemia” should be avoided [2].