Treatment

• Ventilation

  • Nasal CPAP with a PEEP of 3–8 cm H2O

  • If respiratory insufficiency persists, start intubation with mechanical ventilation and O2 inhalation.

• Endotracheal administration of artificial surfactant within 2 hours postpartum

• Supportive measures: IV fluid replacement; stabilization of blood sugar levels and electrolytes

Physiologic O2 saturation in neonates is around 90%. A saturation of 100% is considered toxic for neonates!