Another described “stable” glucoses throughout the QI project. Extremely premature (50 mg/dL following protocol implementation. The highest risks of morbidity and mortality are seen with the most premature infants. Prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal death and contributes to ~50% of childhood disabilities in the United States. Implementation of an evidence-based, Golden Hour protocol is an effective intervention for reducing hypothermia and hypoglycemia in extremely premature infants. Improvements in hypothermia (59% vs 26% vs 38% p = 0.001), hypoglycemia (18% vs 7% vs 4% p = 0.012), and minutes to completion of stabilization were observed. There were no significant differences in infant characteristics. Using quality improvement methodology, the Golden Hour protocol was implemented for all inborn infants <27 weeks’ gestation.
To reduce local rates of these morbidities, a multidisciplinary team developed a protocol standardizing evidence-based care practices during the first hour after birth. Following delivery, extremely premature infants are vulnerable to rapid development of hypothermia and hypoglycemia.
