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Pediatric Education and Research 13(2 (Special Supplement -II)):p 455-457, July-Dec 2025. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/per.2321.1644.13225.112
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The Contributions of Dr. Ola Didrik Saugstad to Neonatal Medicine and Global Pediatric Care
Swaranjali More, Kasumbiwal Ajay H., Mangesh Dake, Tambe Pranita
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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Pediatric Education and Research 13(2 (Special Supplement -II)):p 455-457, July-Dec 2025. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/per.2321.1644.13225.112
How Cite This Article:
Kasumbiwal Ajay H., Dake Mangesh V., Tambe Pranita, et al. The Contributions of Dr. Ola Didrik Saugstad to Neonatal Medicine and Global Pediatric Care. Pediatr. Edu. Res. 2025; 13(2): 455-457.Timeline
Received : December 22, 2025
Accepted : December 29, 2025
Published : December 30, 2025
Abstract
Ola Didrik Saugstad is a renowned Norwegian neonatologist whose pioneering research has profoundly influenced modern neonatal care, particularly in the field of newborn resuscitation. His work focuses on the effects of oxygen exposure, oxidative stress, and free radical–mediated injury in neonates. Traditionally, 100% oxygen was routinely used during neonatal resuscitation; however, Saugstad challenged this practice through well-designed experimental and clinical studies. His research demonstrated that high oxygen concentrations can cause increased oxidative stress, leading to cellular injury and poorer neonatal outcomes. One of Saugstad’s most significant contributions was providing strong evidence that resuscitation with room air (21% oxygen) is as effective as, and safer than, pure oxygen for term and near-term newborns. These findings led to major changes in international neonatal resuscitation guidelines, including recommendations by the World Health Organization and other global resuscitation bodies. The adoption of room air resuscitation has contributed to reduced neonatal mortality and morbidity, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In addition to clinical research, Saugstad has made important contributions to understanding the biochemical mechanisms of hypoxia–reoxygenation injury and the role of oxidative stress in neonatal disease. Through extensive publications and academic leadership, he has promoted evidence-based practices in neonatology. Ola Didrik Saugstad’s work represents a milestone in neonatal medicine, emphasizing that careful and rational use of oxygen is essential for improving newborn survival and long-term outcomes. Key Message: Use of room air for neonatal resuscitation reduces oxidative injury and improves survival.
References
- 1. Saugstad O.D. Chronic lung disease: The role of oxidative stress. Biol Neonate. 1998; 74 Suppl 1: 21-8. doi:10.1159/000047031.
- 2. Saugstad O.D. Oxygenation of the newborn: a molecular approach. Biol Neonate. 2012; 102(1): 2-9. doi:10.1159/000329575.
- 3. Saugstad O.D., Ramji S., Vento M. Resuscitation of newborn infants with 21% or 100% oxygen: A meta-analysis. Biol Neonate. 2004; 87(1): 27-34.doi:10.1159/000080950.
- 4. Saugstad O.D. Oxidative stress in the newborn—a 30-year perspective. Biol Neonate. 2005; 88(3): 228-36. doi:10.1159/000087586.
- 5. Speer C.P., Halliday H.L. Ola Didrik Saugstad—an oxygen radical. Neonatology. 2008; 94(3): 188-9. doi:10.1159/000143720.
Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest in this work.
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Cite this article
Kasumbiwal Ajay H., Dake Mangesh V., Tambe Pranita, et al. The Contributions of Dr. Ola Didrik Saugstad to Neonatal Medicine and Global Pediatric Care. Pediatr. Edu. Res. 2025; 13(2): 455-457.
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| December 22, 2025 | December 29, 2025 | December 30, 2025 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/per.2321.1644.13225.112
Keywords
Ola Didrik SaugstadNeonatal resuscitationOxygen therapyOxidative stressNewborn careSearch for Similar Articles
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Timeline
| Received | December 22, 2025 |
| Accepted | December 29, 2025 |
| Published | December 30, 2025 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
