Topic Review
Off-Label Prescribing in Pediatric Population
Off-label prescribing is widespread among pediatricians, and it is unlikely that this trend will soon be bound by a uniform legal framework. This is necessitated by the fact that there are four variables: the patient’s health condition, the physician’s experience and knowledge, the legislative measures (laws, directives, guidelines, and recommendations), and finally, the pharmaceutical industry. There is considerable concern worldwide about the use of off-label medicines in children. 
  • 80
  • 06 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Characterising a Pathogenic Microbiome
The process of microbiome development arguably begins before birth. Vertical transmission of bacteria from the mother to the infant is a keystone event in microbiome development. Subsequent to birth, the developing microbiome is vulnerable to influence from a wide range of factors. Additionally, the microbiome can influence the health and development of the host infant. This intricate interaction of the gastrointestinal microbiome and the host has been described as both symbiotic and dysbiotic. Defining these terms, a symbiotic microbiome is where the microbiome and host provide mutual benefit to each other. A pathogenic microbiome, or more precisely a gastrointestinal microbiome associated with disease, is increasing described as dysbiotic. 
  • 137
  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Serotonin in Neonatal Pulmonary Circulation
Serotonin (5-HT) is a bioamine that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The lung serves as an important site of 5-HT synthesis, uptake, and metabolism with signaling primarily regulated by tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), the 5-HT transporter (SERT), and numerous unique 5-HT receptors. Accumulating evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies has suggested that the 5-HT signaling pathway may play an important role in neonatal cardiopulmonary transition and the development of PH in newborns. The expression of TPH, SERT, and the 5-HT receptors is developmentally regulated, with alterations resulting in pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary vascular remodeling.
  • 187
  • 30 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Tracheostomy in Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Infants with the most severe forms of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may require long-term invasive positive pressure ventilation for survival, therefore necessitating tracheostomy. Although life-saving, tracheostomy has also been associated with high mortality, postoperative complications, high readmission rates, neurodevelopmental impairment, and significant caregiver burden, making it a highly complex and challenging decision. However, for some infants tracheostomy may be necessary for survival and the only way to facilitate a timely and safe transition home. The specific indications for tracheostomy and the timing of the procedure in infants with severe BPD are currently unknown.
  • 179
  • 27 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Synbiotics in Pediatric Obesity
Childhood obesity, a real pandemic, represents, in fact, a major public health problem worldwide, with an increasing trend in prevalence during the last decades, especially in developed countries. Due to its associated short- and long-term complications, it carries an important burden not only for health services, but also for society, since it is associated with both psychosocial problems like bullying, resulting in school absences and consequent poor school results, and organic conditions such as metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and even neoplasia.
  • 114
  • 22 Nov 2023
Topic Review
PBPK Models in Postpartum Women and Breastfed Infants
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling is a bottom-up approach to predict pharmacokinetics in specific populations based on medicine-specific and population-specific data, such as physiology - A contribution from the ConcePTION Project. 
  • 180
  • 17 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Short-Term Effects of Pediatric Cannabis Use
Cannabis, a plant known for its recreational use, has gained global attention due to its widespread use and addiction potential. Derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, it contains a rich array of phytochemicals concentrated in resin-rich trichomes. The main cannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, influencing various physiological processes. Particularly concerning is its prevalence among adolescents, often driven by the need for social connection and anxiety alleviation.
  • 166
  • 16 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Bioavailability of Mature miRNAs in Digestive System
The endogenous miRNAs of breast milk are the products of more than 1000 nonprotein-coding genes, giving rise to mature small regulatory molecules of 19–25 nucleotides. They are incorporated in macromolecular complexes, loaded on Argonaute proteins, sequestrated in exosomes and lipid complexes, or present in exfoliated cells of epithelial, endothelial, or immune origins. Their expression is dependent on the stage of lactation; however, their detection depends on progress in RNA sequencing and the reappraisal of the definition of small RNAs. Some miRNAs from plants are detected in breast milk, opening the possibility of the stimulation of immune cells from the allergy repertoire. Each miRNA harbors a seeding sequence, which targets mRNAs, gene promoters, or long noncoding RNAs. Their activities depend on their bioavailability. Efficient doses of miRNAs are estimated to be roughly 100 molecules in the cytoplasm of target cells from in vitro and in vivo experiments. Each miRNA is included in networks of stimulation/inhibition/sequestration, driving the expression of cellular phenotypes. Three types of stress applied during lactation to manipulate miRNA supply were explored using rodent offspring: a foster mother, a cafeteria diet, and early weaning.
  • 193
  • 14 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Development of the Microbiome in Preterm Neonates
Researchers have established that the preterm neonate is born with an immature gastrointestinal tract. The preterm neonate is thus susceptible to various complications often seen in the neonatal intensive care unit, e.g., feeding intolerances, necrotizing enterocolitis, and hospital-acquired bloodstream infections. These complications can be life-threatening, and if survived, can have an unfavorable effect on the neonate’s growth and development.
  • 124
  • 13 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Clinical Studies on PPARγ Activity in Premature Babies
Worldwide, three-quarters of a million babies are born extremely preterm (<28 weeks gestation) with devastating outcomes: 20% die in the newborn period, a further 35% develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and 10% suffer from cerebral palsy. Pioglitazone, a Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) agonist, may reduce the incidence of BPD and improve neurodevelopment in extreme preterm babies. Pioglitazone exerts an anti-inflammatory action mediated through Nuclear Factor-kappa B repression. PPARγ signalling is underactive in preterm babies as adiponectin remains low during the neonatal period.
  • 127
  • 08 Nov 2023
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