'Apnoeic oxygenation’ describes the diffusion of oxygen across the alveolar-capillary interface in the absence of tidal respiration. Apnoeic oxygenation requires a patent airway, the diffusion of oxygen to the alveoli, and cardiopulmonary circulation. Apnoeic oxygenation has varied applications in adult medicine including facilitating tubeless anaesthesia or improving oxygenation when a difficult airway is known or anticipated. In the paediatric population, apnoeic oxygenation prolongs the time to oxygen desaturation, facilitating intubation. This application has gained attention in neonatal intensive care where intubation remains a challenging procedure. Difficulties are related to the infant’s size and decreased respiratory reserve. In addition, policy changes have led to limited opportunities for operators to gain proficiency. Until recently, evidence of benefit of apnoeic oxygenation in the neonatal population came from a small number of infants recruited to paediatric studies. Evidence specific to neonates is emerging and suggests apnoeic oxygenation may increase intubation success and limit physiological instability during the procedure. The best way to deliver oxygen to facilitate apnoeic oxygenation remains an important question.

“窒息氧合”描述了在没有潮式呼吸的情况下氧气穿过肺泡-毛细血管界面的扩散。窒息氧合需要气道通畅、氧气扩散到肺泡和心肺循环。呼吸暂停氧合在成人医学中具有多种应用，包括促进无管麻醉或在已知或预期困难气道时改善氧合。在儿科人群中，呼吸暂停氧合延长了氧饱和度下降的时间，有利于插管。该应用在新生儿重症监护中引起了关注，因为插管仍然是一个具有挑战性的过程。困难与婴儿的体型和呼吸储备减少有关。此外，政策变化导致操作员获得熟练程度的机会有限。直到最近，呼吸暂停氧合对新生儿人群有益的证据来自于儿科研究中招募的少数婴儿。针对新生儿的证据不断出现，表明窒息氧合可能会增加插管成功率并限制手术过程中的生理不稳定。输送氧气以促进呼吸暂停氧合的最佳方式仍然是一个重要问题。