Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common morbidity affecting preterm infants and is associated with substantial long-term disabilities. The pathogenesis of BPD is multifactorial, and the clinical phenotype is variable. Extensive research has improved the current understanding of the factors contributing to BPD pathogenesis. However, effectively preventing and managing BPD remains a challenge. This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence regarding the prevention of BPD in preterm infants, offering practical insights for clinicians.

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a clinical condition characterized by respiratory distress in neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Despite advances in obstetric practices and perinatal care, MAS remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in term and post-term newborns. Since the 1960s, there have been significant changes in the perinatal and postnatal management of infants born through MSAF. Routine endotracheal suctioning is no longer recommended in both vigorous and non-vigorous neonates with MSAF. Supportive care along with new treatments such as surfactant, inhaled nitric oxide, and high-frequency ventilation has significantly improved the outcome of MAS patients. However, determining the most appropriate approach for this condition continues to be a topic of debate. This review offers an updated overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of infants with MAS.

Epilepsy is among the most common neurological chronic disorders, with a prevalence of 0.5–1%. Despite the introduction of new antiepileptic drugs during recent years, about one third of the epileptic population remain drug-resistant. Hence, especially in the pediatric population limited by different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and by ethical and regulatory issues it is needed to identify new therapeutic resources. New molecules initially used with other therapeutic indications, such as fenfluramine, are being considered for the treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies, including Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). Drug-refractory seizures are a hallmark of both these conditions and their treatment remains a major challenge. Fenfluramine is an amphetamine derivative that was previously approved as a weight loss drug and later withdrawn when major cardiac adverse events were reported. However, a new role of fenfluramine has emerged in recent years. Indeed, fenfluramine has proved to be a promising antiepileptic drug with a favorable risk–benefit profile for the treatment of DS, LGS and possibly other drug-resistant epileptic syndromes. The mechanism by which fenfluramine provide an antiepileptic action is not fully understood but it seems to go beyond its pro-serotoninergic activity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the literature, including ongoing trials, regarding the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine as adjunctive treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies.

Despite the introduction of new anti-seizure medications in recent years, approximately one-third of the epileptic population continues to experience seizures. Recently, the anti-obesity medication fenfluramine (FFA) has been successfully repurposed, and it has received approval from various regulatory agencies for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The potential antiseizure effects of FFA were initially observed in patients with photosensitive epilepsy in the 1980s but it was not rigorously explored as a treatment option until 30 years later. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the historical progression of FFA’s use, starting from initial clinical observations to preclinical studies and, ultimately, successful clinical trials in the field of epilepsy.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy. Despite many advances in therapy, about 15%–20% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia experience a disease relapse. Isolated ocular relapse is relatively rare. A 14-year-old male with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission presented with sudden onset of right eye pain and visual acuity impairment. Fundoscopic examination of the eye and magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits were consistent with optic nerve infiltration. The patient was treated with salvage chemotherapy, orbital radiation and eventual bone marrow transplantation, with notable improvement in vision and regression of retinal and optic nerve findings. Optic nerve infiltration represents an ophthalmic emergency and requires urgent management. The use of radiation therapy is a helpful adjunct with systemic chemotherapy in obtaining disease remission.

Background: NFIA-related disorder (OMIM #613735) is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a variable degree of cognitive impairment and non-specific dysmorphic features. To date, fewer than thirty patients affected by this disorder have been described.Methods: Our study included three children with NFIA haploinsufficiency recruited from three medical genetics centers. Clinical presentations were recorded on a standardized case report form.Results: All patients presented a variable degree of intellectual disability. None of the individuals in our cohort had urinary tract malformations. Three novel mutations, c.344G>A, c.261T>G, and c.887_888del are reported here.Conclusion: NFIA haploinsufficiency can be suspected through careful observation of specific dysmorphisms, including macrocephaly and craniofacial abnormalities. Instrumental tests such as MRI and renal ultrasound provide further diagnostic clues, while genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis.