Fernando Fuccillo

Dr. Fernando Fuccillo


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 July 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Antonio RuggieroAntonio Ruggiero
Antonio Ruggiero
ARAlberto Romano
Alberto Romano
PMPalma Maurizi
Palma Maurizi
DTDario Talloa
Dario Talloa
FFFernando Fuccillo
Fernando Fuccillo
Giorgio AttinàGiorgio Attinà
Giorgio Attinà
Platinum-induced ototoxicity constitutes a significant adverse effect in pediatric oncology, frequently resulting in permanent hearing impairment with profound implications for quality of life, language acquisition, and scholastic performance. This comprehensive review critically evaluates contemporary ototoxicity monitoring practices across various pediatric oncology settings, analyzes current guideline recommendations, and formulates strategies for implementing standardized surveillance protocols. Through examination of recent literature—encompassing retrospective cohort investigations, international consensus recommendations, and functional outcome assessments—we present an integrated analysis of challenges and opportunities in managing chemotherapy-associated hearing loss among childhood cancer survivors. Our findings demonstrate marked heterogeneity in monitoring methodologies, substantial implementation obstacles, and considerable impact on survivors’ functional status across multiple domains. Particularly concerning is the persistent absence of an evidence-based consensus regarding the appropriate duration of audiological surveillance for this vulnerable population. We propose a structured framework for comprehensive ototoxicity management emphasizing prompt detection, standardized assessment techniques, and integrated long-term follow-up care to minimize the developmental consequences of platinum-induced hearing impairment. This approach addresses critical gaps in current practice while acknowledging resource limitations across diverse healthcare environments.

24 January 2026 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Antonio RuggieroAntonio Ruggiero
Antonio Ruggiero
PMPalma Maurizi
Palma Maurizi
ARAlberto Romano
Alberto Romano
FFFernando Fuccillo
Fernando Fuccillo
DTDario Talloa
Dario Talloa
Giorgio AttinàGiorgio Attinà
Giorgio Attinà
Background/Objectives: Diencephalic syndrome (DS) is an uncommon pediatric disorder presenting with severe failure to thrive despite adequate caloric intake and preserved linear growth. First characterized by Russell, this condition predominantly affects infants under 12 months and remains diagnostically challenging. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature review examining clinical presentation, underlying pathophysiology, associated pathology, diagnostic approaches, and long-term outcomes of DS. Results: DS typically manifests in the first year of life with profound cachexia, normal or increased appetite, preserved height velocity, and characteristic features including hyperactivity, euphorism, and visual pathway involvement. Low-grade gliomas of the hypothalamic–chiasmatic region, particularly pilocytic astrocytomas, represent the predominant underlying pathology. The pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood but likely involve complex dysregulation of hypothalamic energy homeostasis. While overall survival exceeds 90% at five years, most patients experience significant long-term morbidity including visual impairment, multiple endocrine deficiencies, and hypothalamic obesity. Diagnostic delays averaging 11 months contribute to irreversible complications. Conclusions: Early recognition of DS is essential to prevent permanent visual loss and optimize outcomes. Multidisciplinary management incorporating chemotherapy as first-line treatment for underlying gliomas has improved survival while reducing radiation-associated toxicities. However, survivors face substantial lifelong sequelae requiring comprehensive monitoring and intervention. Future research should focus on elucidating precise pathophysiological mechanisms, developing targeted molecular therapies, and improving management of hypothalamic obesity and other late effects.