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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Insights
Neonatal care in Israel has advanced significantly since the 1970s. However, preterm infant mortality, especially for extremely low birth weight infants, is higher than in other countries, necessitating urgent review and action.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Public Health
Context:
- Neonatal care in Israel originated in the 1970s, evolving through hospital-based initiatives.
- The field encompasses advancements in humane treatment, infection prevention, and infant follow-up.
- The Israel National Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infant database is a key resource for research and analysis.
Purpose:
- To review the evolution and current state of neonatal care in Israel.
- To present research on preterm infant care, family support, and infection control.
- To analyze international comparisons of VLBW infant outcomes using the national database.
Summary:
- The practice of neonatology in Israel began in the 1970s, focusing on providing advanced care for sick and preterm newborns.
- Research and advances in gentle treatment, infection prevention, and infant follow-up are detailed.
- International comparisons reveal significantly higher mortality rates for extremely low birth weight infants in Israel compared to other nations.
Impact:
- The Israel National VLBW Infant database has facilitated numerous scientific publications and international comparisons.
- Insights gained highlight a critical need to address higher mortality rates at the border of viability for Israeli infants.
- Proactive measures and Ministry of Health initiatives are crucial for improving bedside care and outcomes for preterm infants.
Abstract:
The practice of neonatology in Israel debuted in the 1970s as local enterprises by individual hospitals that needed to provide sick and preterm newly born infants with up-to-date and effective care. Descriptions of research and advances in humane and gentle treatment during neonatal care for preterm infants and their families, as well as prevention of neonatal infections, follow-up of preterm infants and care of full-term infants are presented in this issue. The Israel National Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infant database provides an excellent source of knowledge, which has led to multiple scientific publications. Recent international comparisons of the outcome of preterm VLBW infants, made possible by this unique database in Israel, has provided the neonatal community and the Ministry of Health with insights as to the differences in prognosis between Israel and other countries, especially among extremely low birth weight infants. At the border of viability, mortality in Israelis significantly higher than that reported in other countries and proactive steps undertaken to examine these differences and prompt correctional action should be pursued. The Israel Ministry of Health started positive initiatives and should ensure that their steps are implemented at the preterm infant's bedside.
