Final answer:
In preterm infants, high oxygen levels can lead to damage of the retina and the alveoli due to their body's immature development, especially when exposed to excessive oxygen supplementation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preterm infants, especially those born before 28 weeks of gestation, often require supplemental oxygen due to an insufficient amount of surfactant, which is critical for keeping the air sacs in the lungs open. Without enough surfactant, a condition known as infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) can occur, making breathing laborious and potentially causing damage to the delicate structures of the alveoli. Furthermore, excessive oxygen supplementation, known as hyperoxia, can lead to a condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which affects the blood vessels in the retina of the eye, potentially leading to vision problems or blindness.
The fetal hemoglobin in preterm infants also differs from that in full-term infants, having a higher affinity for oxygen, which can be problematic due to the immature development of the antioxidant systems required to handle higher oxygen levels. Careful monitoring and adjustment of oxygen levels are crucial to avoid these types of tissue damage while ensuring sufficient oxygenation for the newborn.