Τhe importance of the gut microbiome and its functions has only recently been recognized and researched in greater depth. The establishment of the human gut microbiome begins in utero, forming its adult-like phenotype in the first 2–3 years of life. Several factors affect and alter the gut microbiome composition and its metabolic functions, such as early onset of breastfeeding, mode of delivery, antibiotic administration, or exposure to chemical substances, among others. Existing data support the important connection between health status and gut microbiome homeostasis. In cases when this balance is disturbed, several disorders may arise, such as inflammatory reactions that lead to atopy, eczema, or allergic asthma. The so-called gut-brain axis refers to the complex biochemical pathways between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. One of the most fascinating areas of ongoing research is the broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and how gut health may be associated with such disorders. The prevalence of NDDs, such as autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, has increased over recent years. Whether gut microbiota homeostasis plays a role in these disorders is not yet fully understood. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an account of current knowledge on how gut health is linked with these disorders. We performed a literature review in order to identify and synthesize available data that highlights the potential association between NDDs and a balanced gut microbiome in terms of composition and proper function. The connection between the gut microbiome and NDDs offers promising new opportunities for future research.

High-risk pregnancies (HRPs) constitute a significant global health issue due to their strong association with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although pregnancy is generally characterized by positive expectations, the presence of maternal comorbidities, gestational complications, or adverse socioeconomic and environmental conditions can markedly elevate the probability of unfavorable outcomes. HRPs contribute disproportionately to complications such as preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies, which are key determinants of neonatal mortality and long-term developmental and health challenges. A broad spectrum of risk factors as well as insufficient prenatal care, underscores the complex nature of HRPs. These conditions necessitate a multidisciplinary management approach encompassing early risk identification, continuous monitoring, and individualized interventions. The neonatal prognosis in such contexts is strongly influenced by gestational age at delivery, birth weight, the standard of neonatal care, and the underlying etiological factors driving preterm or complicated deliveries. Preventive strategies including comprehensive prenatal screening, systematic antenatal follow-up, and timely referral to specialized perinatal care centers are essential for reducing the burden of HRPs. Furthermore, addressing social determinants of health—such as low socioeconomic status and limited access to healthcare—is critical for optimizing maternal and neonatal outcomes. This review consolidates current evidence on the epidemiology, etiological factors, and clinical implications of high-risk pregnancies, emphasizing the necessity of an integrative, preventive, and multidisciplinary framework to mitigate adverse neonatal outcomes and improve long-term health trajectories.

Premature birth is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the pediatric population. Because their immune, gastrointestinal and nervous systems are not fully developed, preterm infants (<37 weeks of gestation) and especially very preterm infants (VPIs, <32 weeks of gestation) are more prone to infectious diseases, tissue damage and future neurodevelopmental impairment. The aim of this narrative review is to report the immaturity of VPI systems and examine the role of Human Breast Milk (HBM) in their development and protection against infectious diseases, inflammation and tissue damage. For this purpose, we searched and synthesized the data from the existing literature published in the English language. Studies revealed the significance of HBM and indicate HBM as the best dietary choice for VPIs.

Background/Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to correlate the factors influencing the onset and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and breastfeeding (BF) rates at different time points in baby-friendly hospitals (BFHs) in Greece. Methods: This study was conducted from October 2020 to January 2022. The sample consisted of 1201 mothers with corresponding newborn births out of the total 7201 that took place during the same period. We used a questionnaire that the mothers answered during the first hour after birth, before being discharged from the maternity hospital, and at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th month of the infant’s life. The results were compared with the data of the national study from 2017 (concerning births from general maternity hospitals and not only from BFHs). Results: The EBF rate within 1 h after birth was 71.3%, which gradually declined to 21.2% in the 6th month. Between the two studies, differences were recorded in BF and EBF rates at the 6th and 4th month of the infants’ life, respectively, especially in mothers who are less likely to breastfeed (e.g., those without breastfeeding experience, those over 40 years old, etc.). Conclusion: This study showed that EBF and BF rates are higher in infants born in BFHs compared to non-BFHs both during their hospitalization in the first days of life and during the first 6 months of life. BFHs also play a decisive role in mothers who, due to their socio-economic profile, have lower chances of starting to breastfeed.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most prevalent congenital infection, affecting approximately 0.5–2% of newborns, and is the leading non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss and neurological impairment. The most severe outcome occurs following primary maternal infection during the first trimester of pregnancy, and up to 40–50% of affected fetuses sustain permanent damage. Diagnosis relies on early prenatal screening through maternal serum testing, optimally performed in the first trimester, followed by confirmatory amniocentesis after 17 weeks’ gestation. Prenatal imaging with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a critical role in the identification of fetal brain abnormalities. Prevention strategies emphasize hygiene measures aimed at reducing maternal exposure to bodily fluids of young children, particularly prior to conception and during early pregnancy. Despite progress in vaccine development, currently available ones demonstrate modest efficacy. This review presents a comprehensive summary of congenital CMV infection, addressing its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, clinical presentation, and preventive measures, with a focus on recent advances in vaccine research.

Background: Galactagogues are substances that promote lactation, although data on their effects on humans remain limited. We investigated the efficacy of Silitidil to increase milk supply and duration of breastfeeding of a specific subgroup of mothers in need of lactation support. Methods: 161 mothers from November 2018 until January 2021 were the study subjects in this retrospective study; during their hospitalization, due to neonatal or maternal factors that inhibited lactation, they were prescribed galactagogues. Mothers were surveyed by telephone interview via a 13-item questionnaire. Results: 73.91%, were primigravidas, 78.26% gave birth by cesarean section (CS) and 72.05% continued to take galactagogues after hospital discharge. Of the neonates, 24.22% were preterm ≤37 weeks of gestation, and 55.9% had birth weight (BW) between 2500 and 3500 g. With respect to breastfeeding rates, 100% were breastfed during their first week, 98.8% breastfed during the first month, 87% during the first 4 months, dropping to 56.5% at 6 months, 41% at 1 year and 19.3% over 1 year of age. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that administration of a galactagogue containing Silitidil (Piulatte-Humana) improves breastfeeding rates at from 1 until 12 months of life in mothers with low milk supply during their hospital stay. Further studies are needed to generate evidence-based strategies to improve breastfeeding outcomes.