Neonatal Golden Hour: a review of current best practices and available evidence

Abstract

Purpose of review Recommendations made by several scientific bodies advocate for adoption of evidence-based interventions during the first 60 min of postnatal life, also known as the ‘Golden Hour’, to better support the fetal-to-neonatal transition. Implementation of a Golden Hour protocol leads to improved short-term and long-term outcomes, especially in extremely premature and extreme low-birth-weight (ELBW) neonates. Unfortunately, several recent surveys have highlighted persistent variability in the care provided to this vulnerable population in the first hour of life. Recent findings Since its first adoption in the neonatal ICU (NICU) in 2009, published literature shows a consistent benefit in establishing a Golden Hour protocol. Improved short-term outcomes are reported, including reductions in hypothermia and hypoglycemia, efficiency in establishing intravenous access, and timely initiation of fluids and medications. Additionally, long-term outcomes report decreased risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Summary Critical to the success and sustainability of any Golden Hour initiative is recognition of the continuous educational process involving multidisciplinary team collaboration to ensure coordination between providers in the delivery room and beyond. Standardization of practices in the care of extremely premature neonates during the first hour of life leads to improved outcomes. Video Abstract http://links.lww.com/MOP/A68.