Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41437230›Full record

ArticleBMC pediatrics2025

Golden hour(s) quality improvement protocols and their effect on outcomes in preterm infants ≤ 32 weeks of gestation: a scoping review.

Leonore M C Wever, Vilya Nous, Marije Hogeveen

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in BMC pediatrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Leonore M C WeverDepartment of Pediatrics and Neonatology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. Leonore.Wever@vub.be.
Vilya NousDepartment of Neonatology, Radboudumc Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Marije HogeveenDepartment of Neonatology, Radboudumc Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivePrematurity is the leading cause of under-five mortality worldwide. The first hours after birth (Golden Hours, GH), are critical for preterm infants, as early interventions impact morbidity and mortality. While GH-protocols aim to optimize stabilization and NICU admission, their components and outcomes vary. This study systematically reviews GH-protocols to identify common elements, implementation differences, and clinical outcomes, informing best practices and highlighting knowledge gaps. STUDY

designJBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed to map GH-protocol content and outcomes for preterm infants. Three-step search strategy included database searches and reference screening. Two reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, GH-protocol components, and outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the QI-MQCS checklist.

resultsOf 2,656 records, 34 studies were included, mostly from the USA (n=17). Infants had gestational ages from 24.4-30.2 weeks, and birth weights from 670-1,418 grams. GH-protocol content varied, with respiratory support (31/34 studies), cardiovascular support (26/34), thermoregulation (24/34), and team-based interventions (24/34) being most common. Improved protocol adherence was reported, yielding decreased mechanical ventilation, and quicker GH completion. Clinical outcomes showed improvements in mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis. Additionally, 7/9 studies observed significant increase in delayed cord clamping.

conclusionGH-protocols for preterm infants demonstrate beneficial effects on morbidity and mortality, yet exhibit variability. Differences in populations, hospital resources, and methodologies hinder cross-study comparisons. Standardized guidelines and outcome measures are needed to refine GH-protocols and identify effective interventions. Future research should evaluate short- and long-term effects of GH-protocols across diverse healthcare settings to enhance neonatal outcomes.

Indexed as

Clinical ProtocolsInfant, PrematureInfant, Premature, DiseasesQuality ImprovementGestational AgeHumansInfant, NewbornIntensive Care Units, NeonatalTime FactorsAdherenceGolden hour protocolNeonatologyPretermQuality improvement

Identifiers

PMID41437230
PMCPMC12927241

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.