[EuroNeoStat: a European information system on the outcomes of care for very-low-birth-weight infants (< 1500 g)].
BACKGROUND
Prematurity rates are increasing throughout the world. Despite an overall rather small percentage of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI), which is approx. 1-2 % in most countries, these infants contribute significantly to morbidity and neonatal and infant mortality rates.


METHODS
EuroNeoStat was initiated as an European information system on the outcomes of VLBWI to monitor and improve the care of these infants throughout Europe. EuroNeoStat includes an initiative, called EuroNeoSafe, to promote the safety of these high risk preterm infants. Perinatal and neonatal data from VLBWI is collected without using data that identify individuals or institutions. These data is analyzed at the coordination center in Bilbao. All institutions taking care on VLBWI in Europe can participate in this network and will be able to compare their own outcome data with other institutions from the network. Information on EuroNeoStat and the current data set is available on www.euroneostat.org.


CONCLUSIONS
Successful initiatives aiming at improving outcomes in perinatal and neonatal care require collaborative networking, an attitude of constructive criticism and thorough comparative analysis of the outcomes and incidents in the health-care process.
Valls-I-Soler
A
A
Hospital de Cruces, Bilbao, Spanien.
Carnielli
V
V
Claris
O
O
de la Cruz Bértolo
J
J
Halliday
H L
HL
Hallman
M
M
Hummler
H
H
Weindling
M
M
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D007256:Information Systems; D020407:Internet; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011379:Prognosis; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care