The case of a child with microhematuria and proteinuria is the starting point to investigate abnormalities in urine examination. Although transient and benign conditions are frequently encountered, in some cases, it’s necessary to proceed with the diagnostic process, employing renal biopsy and genetic evaluation. In particular, Alport syndrome is a multisystemic hereditary disease involving kidneys, visual and auditory system. Early diagnosis and proper follow-up are essential to improve outcomes and prevent long-term complications.

In the Netherlands and Belgium there are laws that allow euthanasia in children in certain conditions. In other countries, euthanasia is only allowed in adults and always under conditions that place the declared will of the patient at the center, this is not always possible in minors. Most other European countries, including Italy, reject the idea of euthanasia in both minors and adults and it is considered a crime punishable by law. The “best interest of the child” is the fulcrum around which the debate takes place together with the “definition of intolerable and intractable suffering”. This article does not intend to give opinions, indications or ethical judgments regarding euthanasia in minors, it only raises the issue for discussion and comparison on a topic so often avoided.

In the pediatric population, cerebrovascular disease—although numerically less frequent than in adults—ranks among the top ten causes of death and has a significant impact on the quality of life of affected children and their families. Neurological sequelae are common, as well as emotional, social, and caregiving repercussions for both patients and caregivers. In recent years, the distinctive etiopathogenetic and pathophysiological features of pediatric stroke have prompted the development of multicenter studies and dedicated national registries, after a long period in which clinical and therapeutic management relied largely on evidence derived from adult populations.

The use of digital devices is steadily increasing among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Several studies report early, prolonged, and often solitary screen exposure, with potential negative impacts on communication, emotional regulation, language, and sensorimotor development. In the absence of specific official guidelines for this population, the present article reviews the main associated risks and offers practical strategies and best practices to support families. The role of the pediatrician is also emphasized, particularly in promoting healthy digital habits from early childhood.

Perianal or perineal streptococcal dermatitis is a pediatric infectious condition caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. It typically presents with sharply demarcated erythema around the anal region, often associated with pruritus, pain, and rectal bleeding. In some cases, genital involvement (balanitis or vulvovaginitis) is observed, making the diagnosis more challenging and leading to potential delay in treatment. We describe a clinical case of perineal streptococcal dermatitis with vulvovaginal involvement, highlighting its diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

In recent years, the need for Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) in Italy has increased, supporting both child and family throughout the illness. However, PPC management still faces major challenges, especially in building an integrated interdisciplinary care network. The study examined the role of primary care paediatricians, their involvement, organizational difficulties, and emotional experiences. Results show a growing commitment to complex cases, but also a lack of resources and coordination. Emotional challenges include coping with the suffering of children and families without adequate psychological support. The network needs to be strengthened through continuous training and integration between hospital and community professionals.

This article examines the environmental, economic, and public-health implications of menstrual hygiene products within a One Health perspective, highlighting how individual choices can contribute to sustainability. Menstrual products—used monthly for roughly 40 years of reproductive life—generate significant waste due to their widespread use and high plastic content. Historically, menstrual management evolved from rudimentary natural materials to industrial products shaped largely by male-driven design choices, leading to a proliferation of disposable items with heavy reliance on plastics, applicators, and individualized packaging. Today, most disposable pads and tampons contain multiple plastic components, contributing substantially to non-recyclable waste. In Italy, absorbent hygiene products account for about 3% of total non-recoverable waste—approximately 900,000 tonnes per year. Growing awareness has led to increasing interest in sustainable alternatives such as menstrual cups, absorbent washable underwear, reusable cloth pads, biodegradable pads, and, to a lesser extent, sea-sponges, though the latter raise hygiene and ecological concerns. Political initiatives, including reduced VAT on biodegradable or reusable menstrual products and local programs distributing menstrual cups and washable nappies to families, promote cultural and behavioral change. Economic analyses reveal that women use 10,000–14,000 pads or tampons over a lifetime, spending around €5,000, with “period poverty” affecting socially vulnerable groups lacking access to adequate products and sanitation. The article also addresses the environmental impact of condoms, widely used for contraception and STI prevention. Although essential for sexual health, condoms—whether latex or synthetic—are not compostable and must be disposed of as general waste. Their production involves significant environmental costs due to synthetic additives and small, non-recyclable aluminum or composite packaging. Overall, sustainable menstrual and sexual health practices require informed consumer choices, supportive public policies, improved product design, and accessible education on proper waste disposal.

This article reviews current evidence and recommendations on maternal vaccination, emphasizing its dual benefit for pregnant women and newborns. After outlining the mechanisms of transplacental IgG transfer—most efficient in the final weeks of gestation—the authors discuss how maternal immunization reduces maternal morbidity, prevents in-utero infections, and provides passive neonatal protection until active infant vaccination begins. The article summarizes key maternal vaccines: influenza (well-established safety and efficacy for both mother and infant), pertussis (highly effective in preventing severe disease and early infant mortality, with strong evidence from the UK and US), and tetanus (responsible for eliminating neonatal tetanus in most high-burden countries). A dedicated section reviews emerging RSV maternal vaccines, including the RSVpreF vaccine approved by the FDA in 2023, with phase III trials showing up to 81.8% efficacy in preventing severe RSV disease in the first 90 days of life. Visual elements in the article illustrate antibody transfer dynamics and historical reductions in disease burden. The authors stress that despite clear benefits, vaccination coverage in pregnancy remains insufficient, often due to lack of information. They call for stronger counseling efforts by obstetric and pediatric professionals and improved access through maternal care services.

This article examines the right to health in childhood, as established by the Italian Constitution and major international conventions, emphasizing its centrality for physical, cognitive, and social development. Despite Italy’s universal health system, profound socio-economic and geographic inequities persist: in 2022, 1.27 million minors lived in absolute poverty, with rates rising sharply in large families and contributing to higher morbidity, chronic disease, malnutrition, obesity, psychological disorders, and lower breastfeeding rates. Epigenetic studies show that early-life social disadvantage accelerates biological aging and increases vulnerability to adult diseases. Children in Southern Italy face markedly higher poverty, infant mortality, and interregional healthcare migration, which exacerbates inequality and burdens families emotionally and economically. The article highlights the inadequacy of public health funding, pediatric workforce shortages, and outdated organizational models that threaten equity and quality of care. Improving child health requires reducing poverty, strengthening early education, expanding early childhood services, enhancing prevention, and investing in schools as key settings for health promotion. The author concludes that prioritizing childhood represents the most effective and long-lasting investment for the future of society.

Cos' l'autismo un disturbo del neurosviluppo a eziopatogenesi mista, ambientale e genetica, che d luogo a un'espressivit sintomatologica di diverso grado e che configura uno "spettro" di condizioni che compromettono in varia misura le abilit socio-comunicative e socio-relazionali, cognitive, emotive e adattive, con interessi ristretti e ripetitivi e con disturbi sensoriali che possono riguardare tutti gli organi di senso (tatto, gusto, olfatto, udito, vista). Le cause dell'autismoL'autismo come disturbo della connettivit cerebrale.Esiste nell'autismo un difetto delle connessioni (eccesso o difetto) tra diverse regioni funzionali del cervello dovuto principalmente a un processo anomalo di apoptosi, di pruning, di migrazione neuronale, di eliminazione e formazione di sinapsi e di mielinizzazione L'autismo come difetto della teoria della mente.