Second-generation immigrant children: health prevention for a new population in terms of vaccination coverage and health assessment.

Background: In recent years the total number of foreigners taking up residence in Italy is increasing: the number of children born in Italy to foreign parents currently account for 15% of all babies born in the country. This population is generally referred to as "second-generation immigrants". We evaluated the health conditions of this particular population by investigating the vaccination coverage and auxological data in a group of foreign children living in a foster care setting and by comparing them to those regarding a group of foreign children living with their own parents.

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: current strategies and future perspectives.

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of congenital infections in humans and it produces considerable morbidity in newborns.

Aims: The present study reviews current concepts on epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, future strategies and prognosis of children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

Results: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection can be symptomatic or not at birth, but about 10-20% of them all will exhibit neurological damage when followed up.

A twenty-year retrospective study of pediatric tuberculosis in two tertiary hospitals in Rome.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is among the top 10 causes of child death worldwide. Nevertheless, childhood disease has been neglected by tuberculosis control programs.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients < 16 years of age diagnosed with active TB in 2 tertiary hospitals in Rome (Italy), between 1990 and 2009.

Pediatric hepatitis C infection: to treat or not to treat...what's the best for the child?

Objectives: Pediatric hepatitis C mainly occurs through mother to child transmission, to date. Children usually present a mild disease, but they are not spared from its long-term complications. Thus this infection cannot be underestimated in children and intervention is necessary.