Integrating gender into pediatric care: insights from the Rome conference

The Scientific Committee of the Conference

On April 4, 2025, the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital in Rome hosted the ‘Gender medicine in pediatrics’ conference, a multidisciplinary event focused on the impact of gender differences in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pediatric conditions. Organized by Isabella Tarissi De Jacobis and Alberto Villani, the conference brought together pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, endocrinologists, gynecologists, and epidemiologists, reflecting the cross-cutting nature of gender medicine.

The meeting was structured around three main sessions, each addressing clinical areas where sex and gender differences are already evident in childhood. From urinary tract infections to malignancies, from nutritional needs to drug responses, the discussions highlighted the importance of moving beyond standardized protocols to integrate sex- and gender-specific data into routine clinical practice.

The first session focused on urological and infectious diseases. L. Massella presented data showing a higher prevalence of urinary tract infections in girls, emphasizing the need to consider gender-specific risk factors when designing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. M.C. Lucchetti followed with insights into bacterial infections of the urogenital tract and the role gender may play in susceptibility. L. Nanni addressed the issue of abuse and maltreatment, stressing the differing clinical presentations between male and female children. M. Cirillo concluded the session by examining the influence of nutrition on fertility, pointing to gender-related differences in dietary requirements and their implications for reproductive health already in pediatric age.

The second session explored chronic and complex pediatric conditions. C. Mandato discussed liver diseases, noting that certain conditions, such as hepatitis, present with different outcomes depending on sex. A. Deodati focused on endocrine disruptors and their gender-differentiated effects, raising concerns about long-term health consequences. E. Ferroni presented regional cancer registry data from Veneto Region, showing gender-specific patterns in cancer incidence and survival. M. Di Mauro addressed hematological diseases and how they can differ by gender in terms of presentation and evolution.

In the third session, the discussion turned to pain management, emergency medicine, and drug responsiveness. M. Valeriani reported that migraine tends to emerge earlier and with greater intensity in girls. L. Rotondi Aufiero discussed the differential presentation of symptoms in pediatric emergencies, underlining the need for gender-aware clinical approaches. S. Cristaldi reviewed current knowledge on pain perception and treatment, noting that girls may report higher pain sensitivity and may benefit from tailored interventions. V. Belleudi concluded the session by presenting evidence of sex-based differences in pharmacological responses, reinforcing the call for more individualized pediatric prescribing practices.

The final discussion emphasized the need to promote research, education, and clinical training in gender medicine, particularly within pediatrics. Recognizing gender differences is essential, not optional for achieving diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic effectiveness, and high-quality care. By offering Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, the event also served as a valuable educational platform for healthcare professionals, reinforcing the importance of integrating gender-specific knowledge into everyday pediatric practice.

The Gender medicine in pediatrics conference marked an important step in advancing the application of gender-sensitive approaches in pediatric healthcare. Throughout the sessions, speakers highlighted how boys and girls may experience disease differently and respond variably to treatments. The event fostered meaningful dialogue and laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and precise model of care that acknowledges biological and psychosocial differences from the earliest stages of life.