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Children
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Endocrine and Metabolic Health in School-Aged Children
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Endocrine and Metabolic Health in School-Aged Children

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2026 | Viewed by 6710

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Eryk Jacek Latoch

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
Interests: pediatric endocrinology; metabolic health; leukemia treatment
Dr. Hanna Borysewicz-Sańczyk

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology with Cardiology Divisions, Medical University of Bialystok, J. Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
Interests: pediatric endocrinology; metabolic disorders in children; thyroid diseases in pediatrics
Prof. Dr. Maryna Krawczuk-Rybak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
Interests: childhood cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adolescence is a crucial phase in children’s development, characterized by significant physiological changes as children grow rapidly and mature into young adults. It is also a time in which both environmental and genetic factors may contribute to the onset of endocrine and metabolic disorders.

In this context, we are pleased to serve as Guest Editors for this Special Issue, entitled “Endocrine and Metabolic Health in School-Aged Children”. This Special Issue aims to gather cutting-edge research and reviews on this vital topic, as well as present key studies on both common and rare endocrine and metabolic disorders in children and adolescents, including obesity, diabetes, thyroid diseases, autoimmune endocrine conditions, disorders related to puberty and growth, and the long-term metabolic and endocrine consequences of cancer treatments in childhood cancer survivors.

We are especially interested in studies that explore novel etiological factors, biomarkers, underlying mechanisms, and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for endocrine and metabolic diseases in children. In addition, this Special Issue will address the occurrence of complications and the application of preventive measures that aim to mitigate these conditions in young patients.

This collection will feature original research articles, case reports, and systematic reviews.

Dr. Eryk Jacek Latoch
Dr. Hanna Borysewicz-Sańczyk
Prof. Dr. Maryna Krawczuk-Rybak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • endocrine diseases
  • metabolic disorders
  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • thyroid
  • autoimmunity
  • children
  • adolescents

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

12 pages, 240 KB  
Article
Salpingitis in Non-Sexually Active Girls: Clinical Spectrum and Diagnostic Clues from a Pediatric Cohort
by Matteo Cerutti, Marta Verzieri, Lisa Gamalero, Erica Bencini, Ilaria Brizzi, Gaia Varriale, Stefano Stagi and Teresa Giani
Children 2026, 13(3), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13030311 - 24 Feb 2026
Viewed by 449
Abstract
Background: Pediatric salpingitis is rare and often underrecognized, especially in non-sexually active girls in whom symptoms are non-specific and sexually transmitted infections are absent. Delayed diagnosis may increase the risk of complications. We aimed to characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic features, management, and [...] Read more.
Background: Pediatric salpingitis is rare and often underrecognized, especially in non-sexually active girls in whom symptoms are non-specific and sexually transmitted infections are absent. Delayed diagnosis may increase the risk of complications. We aimed to characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic features, management, and outcomes of pediatric salpingitis and to identify predisposing factors in non-sexually active pediatric patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed pediatric cases of radiologically or surgically confirmed salpingitis at a tertiary children’s hospital (2000–2025) and conducted a narrative review of published pediatric cases. Results: Ten non-sexually active girls were included (median age 12.8 years). Abdominal pain was the most common symptom (80%), followed by fever and gastrointestinal complaints (50% and 30%, respectively); two patients (20%) were asymptomatic. Hydrosalpinx or pyosalpinx was detected on ultrasound in 80%. A causative organism was identified in 30%, predominantly enteric or anaerobic flora. All patients received broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics; half required procedural or surgical intervention. Clinical outcomes were favorable in all cases. The literature review identified 56 additional non-sexually active girls, most of whom were postmenarchal. Abdominal pain was the predominant presentation, and gastrointestinal or anatomical predisposing factors were common. Conclusions: Non-sexually transmitted salpingitis is an uncommon but clinically relevant condition in children. Its atypical and often subtle presentation in non-sexually active girls warrants heightened clinical awareness. Early imaging and attention to gastrointestinal or postsurgical antecedents can facilitate timely diagnosis. Further multicenter studies are needed to establish diagnostic criteria and clarify long-term reproductive outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrine and Metabolic Health in School-Aged Children)
18 pages, 748 KB  
Article
Beyond BMI: Ultrasound-Detected Visceral Adiposity as a Predictor of Early Cardiometabolic Dysfunction in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes
by Sukriye Ozde, Gulsah Akture, Mehmet Ali Ozel, Fatma Yavuzyilmaz, Cem Ozde, Osman Kayapinar and Ilknur Arslanoglu
Children 2026, 13(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13010124 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 433
Abstract
Background: Visceral adiposity has emerged as a clinically relevant determinant of early cardiometabolic dysfunction in pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), yet its assessment remains underutilized in routine practice. This study evaluated ultrasonographically measured epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and perirenal adipose tissue [...] Read more.
Background: Visceral adiposity has emerged as a clinically relevant determinant of early cardiometabolic dysfunction in pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), yet its assessment remains underutilized in routine practice. This study evaluated ultrasonographically measured epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and perirenal adipose tissue thickness (PrATT) as markers of metabolic risk, insulin sensitivity, and subclinical atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with T1DM. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 participants with T1DM and 152 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric data, biochemical parameters, hepatic steatosis grade, and insulin sensitivity indices (eGDR) were collected. EATT and PrATT were measured via standardized echocardiographic and abdominal ultrasonographic protocols. Carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) was assessed as an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis. Correlation and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of T1DM status and cardiometabolic risk. Results: Children with T1DM exhibited significantly higher PrATT and EATT values compared with controls (both p < 0.05). All eGDR indices were markedly lower in the T1DM group, reflecting reduced insulin sensitivity. PrATT and EATT showed strong or moderate correlations with hsCRP, hepatic steatosis, atherogenic index of plasma, and multiple anthropometric markers. Both visceral fat depots were positively associated with cIMT. Logistic regression identified PrATT, EATT, hsCRP, cIMT, and eGDR-BMI as independent predictors of case status. Subgroup analyses demonstrated more pronounced visceral adiposity and metabolic impairment among participants with BMI ≥85th percentile. Conclusions: Ultrasonographically measured PrATT and EATT provide valuable insight into early cardiometabolic risk in youth with T1DM, independent of BMI. Their associations with insulin resistance, inflammation, and subclinical atherosclerosis highlight their potential utility as accessible markers for early risk stratification in pediatric diabetes. Routine incorporation of visceral fat assessment may support earlier identification of high-risk individuals and more targeted preventive strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrine and Metabolic Health in School-Aged Children)
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Review

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16 pages, 239 KB  
Review
The Dangers of Congregate for Children with Diabetes or Other Life-Threatening Medical Conditions
by Dennis Michael Styne and Donna M. Petre
Children 2026, 13(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13010078 - 3 Jan 2026
Viewed by 583
Abstract
Background: Children can be removed from their home if allegations of abuse or neglect are substantiated. The preference is to place them with family members. In the most extreme cases, a child may be placed in a congregate care setting. A child with [...] Read more.
Background: Children can be removed from their home if allegations of abuse or neglect are substantiated. The preference is to place them with family members. In the most extreme cases, a child may be placed in a congregate care setting. A child with diabetes should only be placed in such a facility if the staff have been appropriately trained. Otherwise, the consequences can be devastating. In 2022 and 2024, two children were placed into congregate care facilities in Arizona and died of diabetic ketoacidosis due to a lack of appropriate employee training. Study Objective: We aim to inform providers of the legal processes and laws that can result in a child being placed into a congregate care setting. We analyze what went wrong in the care of these two children. We present alternative pathways that might ensure the safety of children before they are placed in such facilities. Methodology: We reviewed public information for cases of morbidity and mortality in children with diabetes in congregate care. We reviewed the California Welfare and Institution legal codes and applicable laws in the Federal Register. We obtained information regarding children with diabetes mellitus who were in the care of child welfare on PubMed. Results and Conclusions: While there are legal safeguards for children with diabetes who are placed in congregate care, these safeguards are ineffective if staff are inappropriately trained. We present programs and recommendations to prevent a child who is placed in a congregate care facility from suffering medical complications or death. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrine and Metabolic Health in School-Aged Children)
11 pages, 605 KB  
Review
Transition of Cardiovascular Care in Survivors of Pediatric Cancer: From Preventive Strategies to Cardiac Follow-Up’s Organization
by Elena Bennati, Alice Pozza, Daniele Ciofi, Sara Mantini, Gaia Spaziani, Alessia Tomberli, Salvatore Angileri, Iacopo Olivotto and Silvia Favilli
Children 2025, 12(9), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12091171 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1049
Abstract
Survival rates for childhood cancer patients (CCSs) have increased due to new treatments. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of non-cancer morbidity and mortality in CCSs. CVD is the result of direct cardiovascular (CV) damage caused by cancer treatment and accelerated atherosclerosis. [...] Read more.
Survival rates for childhood cancer patients (CCSs) have increased due to new treatments. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of non-cancer morbidity and mortality in CCSs. CVD is the result of direct cardiovascular (CV) damage caused by cancer treatment and accelerated atherosclerosis. CCSs are at increased risk of metabolic syndrome, yet CV risk factors are underdiagnosed and undertreated in this population. A structured transition care plan plays a key role in promoting greater awareness of the importance of appropriate CV risk management and a healthy lifestyle. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive illustration of how transition programs face many barriers in daily practice and the need for a widespread transition culture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrine and Metabolic Health in School-Aged Children)
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Other

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42 pages, 1032 KB  
Systematic Review
Mapping Barriers and Interventions to Diabetes Self-Management in Latino Youth: A Scoping Review
by Milena de Lucca, Megan Visser, Tatiane Geralda André, Sisi Namoc Leturia, Lucila Castanheira Nascimento and Rebecca Ortiz La Banca Barber
Children 2025, 12(7), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12070882 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 3612
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Effective diabetes self-management is critical for glycemic management and well-being, yet Latino youth face unique cultural and socioeconomic barriers that are insufficiently explored in the literature. This review mapped existing evidence on diabetes self-management for Latino youth. Methods: Searches were conducted in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Effective diabetes self-management is critical for glycemic management and well-being, yet Latino youth face unique cultural and socioeconomic barriers that are insufficiently explored in the literature. This review mapped existing evidence on diabetes self-management for Latino youth. Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, ERIC, and The Cochrane Library, using the gray literature and reference lists, in September 2024, following JBI guidelines. The included studies were qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies and reviews on diabetes self-management for Latinos aged 0–30 with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Studies including participants over 30 or with gestational diabetes were excluded. Two reviewers independently extracted data using a standardized table and analyzed findings using the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists framework (ADCES7) for self-care behaviors: healthy eating, being active, monitoring, taking medication, problem-solving, reducing risks, and healthy coping. Results: Forty-five studies (forty from the United States) were included from 860 citations. The findings highlighted challenges in adopting diabetes-friendly diets, including cultural preferences, food insecurity, and limited resources. Physical activity improved glycemic control but was hindered by family and school obligations. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) enhanced outcomes, though economic barriers limited access. Family-centered education improved medication adherence, while family support strengthened problem-solving. CGMs and insulin pumps reduced complications, and culturally adapted psychological support enhanced emotional well-being and glycemic management. Conclusions: This review underscores persistent disparities in diabetes self-management among Latino youth. While the study designs and settings were heterogeneous, the findings highlight the need for culturally tailored, family-centered interventions that address structural barriers and psychosocial needs to improve care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrine and Metabolic Health in School-Aged Children)
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