We helped establish and co-lead the UK based Neonatal Nutrition Network (N3) & the Neonatal Nutrition Network in Sub-Saharan Africa. We also collaborate widely within the UK (Northumbria, Liverpool, Birmingham), Europe, the USA and with our partners in Africa.
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The UK Neonatal Nutrition Network (N3)
A small group of us met in Edinburgh in 2003 to share our interests in improving the nutrition of sick and premature infants on NICUs. We have met at least twice yearly since then, and for the last 6 years have run a successful educational meeting in London that takes place in June. We do not have a formal membership or committee structure, and our events and activities are coordinated by a core group. There is no membership fee, but all members must be active in clinical practice, advocacy or research in the area of neonatal nutrition. Industry or commercial employees are NOT permitted to join. We do not accept any sponsorship from companies producing formula milk but we do accept small amounts of financial support from companies who produce relevant equipment or other products to support neonatal nutrition. These are important in helping us fund our meeting. Convenors, speakers and facilitators may receive support for travel and/or accommodation to attend the educational meeting but all their time is given for free |
The Neonatal Nutrition Network in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
We are helping to establish a core network of neonatal units in SSA to improve gut health and early nutrition in low birthweight (LBW) infants. LBW results from premature birth, IUGR or both. Immature gut structure and function in preterm infants compromises nutrition, facilitates sepsis through bacterial translocation and risks NEC. Abnormal microbial colonization of the gut occurs during prolonged NNU admission including with anti-microbial resistant bacteria. Improved gut health and early nutrition would reduce sepsis and improve brain and other organ development.
Our network will evaluate current evidence and document variation in feeding practices, adapt core outcome sets for common diseases, identify priorities for, and conduct, research. We will engage other low-resource NNUs and develop processes that can be rolled-out to expand the network as a resource for multicentre clinical trials.
We are helping to establish a core network of neonatal units in SSA to improve gut health and early nutrition in low birthweight (LBW) infants. LBW results from premature birth, IUGR or both. Immature gut structure and function in preterm infants compromises nutrition, facilitates sepsis through bacterial translocation and risks NEC. Abnormal microbial colonization of the gut occurs during prolonged NNU admission including with anti-microbial resistant bacteria. Improved gut health and early nutrition would reduce sepsis and improve brain and other organ development.
Our network will evaluate current evidence and document variation in feeding practices, adapt core outcome sets for common diseases, identify priorities for, and conduct, research. We will engage other low-resource NNUs and develop processes that can be rolled-out to expand the network as a resource for multicentre clinical trials.