Effects of Automated Adjustment of FiO2 on Cerebral and Arterial Oxygenation in Preterm Infants

Inclusion Criteria: * postmenstrual age \<30 wks GA at study time * on nasal/nasopharyngeal CPAP or mechanical ventilation (including nasopharyngeal IMV) * at least 4 desaturations (SpO2 \<80%) during an 8 hour period within the 24h before the study using a standard pulse oximeter incorporated in the NICU (Dash 3000, General Electric, Freiburg; 10s averaging time, delay 10s) Exclusion Criteria: * postnatal age \<96h (to exclude rapidly changing conditions during the early phase of RDS and to avoid handling of the infant during the critical period for IVH) * congenital cyanotic heart disease * no decision for full treatment support * Average FiO2 during the last 24h bevor the active study phase \>0.60 * Congenital malformations of the lung or the diaphragm (i.e. diaphragmatic hernia, congentital cystic lung diseases...) * Clinically clear evidence for seizures * Ongoing Sepsis (CRP \> 10mg/l, or positive blood culture, requirement of catecholamines) * Need of blood-transfusion during study