Technetium‐99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy and pyelonephritic scarring in newborn children

Sir, We enjoyed reading the paper by Stiris and Carnielli (1) and were elated to learn of the establishment of the European Society for Neonatology (ESN), which we hope will be successful in standardizing the quality of neonatology training throughout Europe. We also hope that the ESN will serve as a bridge between different nations and cultures to promote strong friendships and to help establish peace in the region. In this context we would like to share our recent experience on the establishment of the “Union of Mediterranean Neonatal Societies” (UMENS). The national neonatal societies of four Mediterranean countries (Turkey, Israel, Greece and Egypt) combined forces and founded UMENS on February 23, 2001. The objectives of the Union are the advancement and exchange of knowledge in the area of neonatal medicine, the setting up of a regional neonatal research and documentation centre, establishing standards in neonatology training, publishing educational materials (books, journals, video tapes, CD ROM, etc.) and promoting friendship among members of national neonatal societies (2, 3). The draft of the Statutes and By-laws of the Union was prepared by the Turkish Neonatal Society and was eventually accepted by the presidents of the member societies. Based on the recommendations expressed during the meeting of the presidents, the first International Congress of UMENS will be held in Istanbul on 3–6 September 2003. We invite all neonatologists to participate in the Congress and national neonatal societies to join UMENS. We hope the ESN leadership will promote interaction with and between regional/national neonatal societies and unions.