Neonatal network database operated by the Neonatal Research Network of Japan

Abstract

A database registration system for high-risk infants in Japan started in 2003. This project was carried out with a research grant from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Because registration in the database is voluntary, only some of the perinatal centers nationwide participated initially. However, once the benefits of database registration were recognized, more centers decided to participate, and currently, about 65% of infants with very low birth weights or gestational ages less than 32 weeks born in Japan are enrolled in the database. Currently, about 5,000 new cases are registered every year. A unique feature of the database is that, from its inception, it included outcome data at 1.5 and 3 years of age after discharge from the NICU. Since then, this follow-up data has been expanded to follow-ups at 6 years of age. At present, both the development of this database and the progress in neonatal medicine in Japan have gained the worldwide recognition with analysis results from the database being published in many international journals. In addition, international joint research through the International Network for Evaluating Outcomes (iNeo) has also progressed. However, for the further development of the database, an automated registration system of patient data through electric medical charts and the systematization of follow-up results for high-risk infants after discharge should be considered.