Background/objectives: This study aimed to characterize the fatty acid (FA) profile of breast milk (BM) at 7 days (T7) and 1 month postpartum (T30) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and to evaluate associations between maternal diet during pregnancy and BM FA composition. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted from March 2022 to October 2023, involving mothers grouped by gestational age at delivery (32 weeks, 32–36.6 weeks, and >37 weeks). Results: BM lipid profiles were generally similar across gestational groups, with notable differences at T7 in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), myristic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), erucic acid, nervonic acid, and some FA ratios. At T30, differences persisted in SFAs, MUFAs, myristic acid, and MUFA/SFA. At T7, red meat intake was positively correlated with stearic acid; white meat intake was negatively associated with multiple FAs (including ω-3) but positively with linoleic. Cheese correlated positively with caprylic acid; milk negatively with pentadecylic acid; and dried fruit positively with MUFA. At T30, fish consumption was prevalently positively related to DHA, EPA, and Omega-3, while red meat was positively associated with arachidic acid and margaric acid and negatively with di-homo-gamma linolenic acid. White meat showed a predominantly negative correlation with DHA, EPA and MUFA. Milk intake showed both positive (i.e., caproic acid) and multiple negative FA associations. Cheese was positively associated with caprylic acid, while dried fruit intake was positively linked to oleic acid and MUFA. Conclusions: Despite stable total lipid content, gestational age influenced specific FA profiles. These shifts may reflect adaptive responses to neonatal metabolic and neurodevelopmental needs. Understanding such mechanisms could guide tailored nutritional strategies, especially for preterm infants.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune neurological disease resulting from the interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. In recent decades, the rising incidence of MS, particularly pediatric-onset forms, has paralleled the global obesity pandemic. This article explores the causal link between pediatric obesity, systemic inflammation, and neuroinflammation, with a specific focus on the microbiota–gut–liver–brain axis. We analyze how nutritional habits can play a pivotal role by inducing dysbiosis, with alteration in microbiota-driven metabolites, and leaky gut related abnormalities—which may trigger blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and microglial activation—or by acting as a protective factor, such as through the Mediterranean Diet (MD). Furthermore, we evaluate the emerging therapeutic perspectives offered by Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, which may offer dual benefits in weight management and immune modulation.

Background: Gallbladder involvement during acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is generally considered an uncommon extrahepatic manifestation, although recent reports suggest it may be underrecognized. We evaluated the prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of gallbladder abnormalities in a multicenter cohort of children hospitalized with acute HAV infection during an Italian outbreak. Methods: We conducted a multicenter observational study, including consecutive children with laboratory-confirmed acute HAV infection admitted to 4 tertiary pediatric hospitals between January and May 2026. Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings were collected. All patients underwent abdominal ultrasonography during the acute phase of illness. Results: Thirty-three children were included. Gallbladder abnormalities compatible with acute acalculous cholecystitis were identified in 18 patients (54.5%), including marked gallbladder wall thickening (>7 mm) in 8. Children with gallbladder involvement did not exhibit more severe clinical manifestations or greater biochemical impairment than those without ultrasonographic abnormalities. Serum bile acids were markedly elevated in most tested patients but were not associated with gallbladder abnormalities. All patients were managed conservatively, and none developed gallbladder perforation, empyema, gangrene or required surgical intervention. Complete clinical recovery with progressive normalization of laboratory and ultrasonographic findings was observed in all cases. Conclusions: Systematic ultrasonography identified gallbladder involvement in more than half of children hospitalized with acute HAV infection, suggesting that this manifestation may be substantially underrecognized rather than truly rare. Despite frequent ultrasonographic abnormalities, the clinical course was uniformly benign, supporting conservative management in the absence of complications.

The omphalocele is an abdominal wall defect at the base of the umbilical cord, with the worldwide prevalence of 2.6 per 10,000 births. Omphalocele contains herniated abdominal organs and is classified in small and giant based on the size of the defect. Omphalocele is associated with several syndromes or structural anomalies. We reported a case of giant omphalocele of 6 cm with right lung agenesis with tracheal and right bronchial hypoplasia. Laryngeal mask stabilized the newborn allowing endotracheal intubation. Due to serious malformations, the newborn died after few hours of life for cardio-respiratory arrest. Early and accurate prenatal diagnosis allows a better intervention strategies in delivery room, improving the chances of survival and reducing complications for infants with omphalocele.

Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as primary pseudotumor cerebri, is characterized by increased intracranial pressure (ICP) without an identifiable cause. It can lead to significant morbidity, including permanent vision loss, especially in younger children. The exact cause of IIH is still unclear, but excess adiposity seems to be a key risk factor. Current treatment options are unsatisfactory, but research is exploring novel therapies targeting obesity-related mechanisms. Methods: Narrative review of the literature aimed at summarizing current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, treatment options and long-term outcomes for pediatric IIH, with a particular focus on the link with obesity. Results: The incidence of IIH is rising, mirroring the obesity epidemic. Excess adiposity, predominantly visceral, might cause IIH through several factors such as decreased venous return, hormone dysregulation, inflammation, obstructive sleep apnea, and dysfunction of the glymphatic system. The extent of weight loss required and the most appropriate strategy to achieve it are still uncertain. Given the difficulty in achieving and maintaining weight loss with dietary strategies, bariatric surgery and weight loss medications are emerging as effective options for long-term remission of both obesity and IIH. Conclusions: IIH is a rare and poorly understood disease. At present, weight loss represents the only treatment that addresses the pathophysiology of IIH. The role and potential as standalone or synergistic therapies of weight loss drugs and bariatric surgery for IIH in adolescents require future research.