Pediatric Endocrine Health and Metabolism: Conditions, Diagnosis and Treatment

Dear Colleagues,

The endocrine system plays a fundamental role in regulating growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, and overall health throughout childhood and adolescence. From fetal life to the transition into adulthood, hormonal pathways coordinate complex physiological processes that are essential for normal physical and neurocognitive development. Disruptions of endocrine function may result in a wide spectrum of disorders, ranging from growth abnormalities and pubertal disturbances to thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, and metabolic diseases. Recent advances in genetics, molecular endocrinology, imaging technologies, and precision medicine have substantially improved our understanding of pediatric endocrine disorders and have expanded diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. At the same time, the increasing prevalence of metabolic conditions and the recognition of long-term consequences of endocrine dysfunction highlight the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management. This Special Issue aims to provide an updated overview of current knowledge and emerging developments in pediatric endocrine health and metabolism.

* Background & history of this topic:

Pediatric endocrinology has evolved considerably over the last century, becoming one of the most dynamic subspecialties in child health. Early discoveries regarding hormone production and regulation laid the foundation for understanding disorders of growth, thyroid function, adrenal physiology, and pubertal development. The introduction of hormone assays, recombinant hormone therapies, advanced imaging techniques, and neonatal screening programs transformed the diagnosis and management of many endocrine diseases. In recent decades, the field has expanded through major advances in molecular genetics and developmental biology, enabling the identification of novel disease mechanisms and rare endocrine syndromes. Furthermore, growing awareness of the interactions between endocrine regulation and metabolic health has strengthened the integration of pediatric endocrinology with nutrition, obesity research, bone health, and preventive medicine. Today, pediatric endocrine care encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions requiring personalized and multidisciplinary approaches throughout childhood and adolescence.

* Aim and scope of the Special Issue:

This Special Issue aims to gather high-quality contributions that advance knowledge of endocrine and metabolic health in infants, children, and adolescents. We welcome studies exploring the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes of pediatric endocrine and metabolic disorders, as well as research addressing preventive strategies and innovative approaches to patient care.

The scope of the Special Issue includes both common and rare disorders affecting endocrine function and metabolic regulation. Particular attention will be given to translational research bridging basic science and clinical practice, novel diagnostic tools, emerging therapeutic strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches that improve health outcomes and quality of life in pediatric patients.

* Cutting-edge research:

Topics of particular interest include the following:

• Growth disorders and growth hormone deficiency;
• The GH–IGF-1 axis and growth regulation;
• Short stature and tall stature syndromes;
• Disorders of puberty, including precocious and delayed puberty;
• Pediatric thyroid diseases and congenital hypothyroidism;
• Adrenal disorders, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency;
• Pituitary disorders and hypothalamic dysfunction;
• Disorders of sex development and reproductive endocrinology;
• Calcium, phosphate, and bone metabolism;
• Vitamin D deficiency and pediatric bone health;
• Obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome;
• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus;
• Inherited metabolic and endocrine disorders;
• Genetic and epigenetic determinants of endocrine diseases;
• Precision medicine and personalized therapeutic approaches;
• Artificial intelligence and digital technologies in pediatric endocrine care;
• Long-term follow-up and transition to adult endocrine services.

* What kind of papers we are soliciting:

We invite the following types of submissions:

• Original research articles;
• Clinical and translational studies;
• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses;
• Narrative and state-of-the-art reviews;
• Prospective and retrospective observational studies;
• Epidemiological investigations;
• Case reports and case series of particular clinical relevance;
• Brief communications and technical reports.

Research addressing any aspect of pediatric endocrine health and metabolism is welcome, including growth and development, pubertal disorders, thyroid and adrenal diseases, pituitary disorders, reproductive endocrinology, bone metabolism, obesity, diabetes, inherited endocrine conditions, and innovative diagnostic or therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Clelia Cipolla
Prof. Dr. Donato Rigante
Dr. Ignazio Cammisa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• pediatric endocrinology
• metabolic diseases
• growth
• puberty
• thyroid