Some people ask us why we do research with tiny, vulnerable babies. Others even think it is wrong to do any research because these babies can’t give consent.
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We must undertake research to help the babies and learn how we, and others, can improve the way we care for them and increase their chances of healthy survival.
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Neonatal intensive care started in the late 1960s when almost all very premature babies died, mechanical ventilation was crude and hardly used. People thought they should not be fed, so they were starved for days, which probably contributed to their poor outcome.
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We were told that it was not worth trying to resuscitate babies who were born weighing less than 1,500g because the quality of their survival was so bad.
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As a direct result of careful research, and not being prepared to accept that we cannot learn to do better, paediatricians who care for ill babies have learnt how to improve many aspects of their care.
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Now, all but the most immature survive and the majority do well and grow up to be normal. However, there is still a lot we need to learn to reduce the severity of their illnesses and the pain and suffering of babies and their families. We must continue to do research for the sake of future babies, their parents and the community.
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