The Neonatal Research Network: History since 2003, future directions and challenges

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neontal Research Network (NRN) was established in 1986 in response to the need for rigorous studies to guide care and management of sick and premature newborns. The network is comprise of clinical centers that perform clinical protocols to investigate the safety and efficay of treatment and management strategies for newborn infants as well as a data cordinating center. Infrastructure is set up for observational and interventional studies as well as neurodevelopmental follow-up of patients. The network has conducted trials and observational studies on major neonatal problems including pulmonary disease, neuroprotection, sepsis and infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, vaccine administration to preterm infants, retinopathy of prematurity, cardiovascular issues including blood pressure, human milk, growth and nutrition, hematologic issues, resuscitation, pulmonary hypertension, and neurodevelopmental outcome. This mechanism of clinical research for newborns has led to changes in care practices leading to improved outcomes for high-risk infants.