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The German Neonatal Network (GNN)

In all populations, about 1 % of newborns are born with a very low birth weight below 1500 grams (VLBW-infants). Although the total number of VLBW-infants born in Germany is only about 8000/year, these infants represent a large proportion of neonatal and infant mortality and both, short- and long term complications including neurodevelopmental handicaps (disabilities). In contrast to other countries, neither structured research networks nor large scale scientific follow up projects for preterm infants had been established in Germany.

The German Neonatal Network (GNN) started patient enrolment on January the 1st 2009. The network is focussed on the long-term effects of genetic, clinical and social risk factors, the influence of center specific treatment strategies and the support of randomized clinical trials in VLBW-infants.

We are planning to enrol more than 20,000 preterm infants with a birth weight below 1500 grams in our study and to follow the development of these infants during a time period of six years.

The identification of genetic risk factors for preterm delivery and common diseases of preterm infants will be one major focus of our project, since this topic is not covered by comparable international networks.

Furthermore, the German Neonatal Network will result in a better understanding of clinical and socio-economic factors influencing the long term development of VLBW-infants. GNN will promote urgently needed randomized clinical trials in VLBW-infants and will support the distribution/appreciation of treatment strategies which are used by the most successful neonatal intensive care units.

For further information, please contact:

Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Campus Lübeck

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Göpel
Projektleiter German Neonatal Network
Tel.: +49 451 500-2555 or -2567
E-Mail:goepel@vlbw.de

Sabine Lorenz
Projektmanagement German Neonatal Network
Tel.: +49 451 500-2644 or -2567
E-Mail: lorenz@vlbw.de

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Göpel
Tel.: +49 451 500-2555 or -2567
goepel@vlbw.de


Sabine Lorenz
Tel.: +49 451 500-2644 or -2567
lorenz@vlbw.de