Golden 60 minutes of newborn's life: Part 1: Preterm neonate

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Perinatal Care
• Pediatric Critical Care

Background:

• The first hour after birth, termed the "Golden Hour," is critical for newborn well-being.
• Preterm infants, especially those with extreme prematurity or very low birth weight, require specialized care during this period.
• Evidence-based interventions during the "Golden Hour" aim to improve long-term health outcomes for vulnerable newborns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence-based interventions included in the "Golden Hour" for preterm newborns.
• To highlight the importance of the "Golden Hour" in reducing neonatal complications.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of optimal care during the first 60 minutes of postnatal life for preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current evidence on "Golden Hour" interventions for preterm infants.
• Key interventions discussed include delayed cord clamping, hypothermia prevention, respiratory and cardiovascular support, sepsis prevention, nutritional support, and family communication.
• The review focuses on practices relevant to extreme premature, extreme low birth weight, and very low birth weight newborns.

Main Results:

• The "Golden Hour" concept encompasses essential care steps from resuscitation to nursery admission.
• Implementing "Golden Hour" interventions is associated with a significant reduction in neonatal complications.
• Specific complications reduced include hypothermia, hypoglycemia, intraventricular hemorrhage, chronic lung disease, and retinopathy of prematurity.

Conclusions:

• The "Golden Hour" is a crucial period for implementing targeted interventions in preterm newborns.
• Adherence to "Golden Hour" protocols can substantially decrease the incidence and severity of neonatal morbidities.
• Optimizing care during the first 60 minutes post-birth is vital for improving the long-term prognosis of preterm infants.