Shaping the research agenda of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition: The proposal from an Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) expert group
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) recognized the need to define research priorities and identify knowledge gaps to guide future investigations in pediatric digestive health. Following international examples, SIGENP aimed to provide a structured framework that aligns scientific innovation with clinical relevance and patient-centered outcomes. This narrative review represents the consensus output of SIGENP's thematic working groups (WGs) in key fields-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Hepatology, Nutrition and Intestinal Failure, Functional and Motility Disorders, and Allergy and Immunity. Each WG conducted a focused review of recent literature, national activities, and registry data, identifying unmet needs and defining strategic objectives. Draft reports were refined through plenary discussions and finalized by consensus during dedicated SIGENP meetings. Across all areas, shared priorities emerged: advancing precision and personalized medicine, integrating multi-omics and digital tools, and promoting pediatric-specific evidence through multicenter collaboration and harmonized registries. Disease-specific gaps include early diagnosis and biomarker discovery in IBD and liver disease, standardization of pediatric endoscopy and motility diagnostics, optimization of nutritional interventions and intestinal failure management, and the exploration of organoid and immune models in celiac disease and food allergy. This review outlines a comprehensive research agenda in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition developed through a structured SIGENP expert process. It provides a strategic framework to guide future research initiatives, foster collaboration, and ultimately improve outcomes for children with gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders.
Source: JPGN Reports
DOI: 10.1002/jpr3.70228
Authors: Carlo Agostoni, Daniele Alberti, Renata Auricchio, Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre, Osvaldo Borrelli, Matteo Bramuzzo, Teresa Capriati, Carlo Catassi, Sabrina Cenni, Marco Crocco, Salvatore Cucchiara, Luigi Dall'Oglio, Paola De Angelis, Marco Deganello Saccomani, Fabiola Di Dato, Angelo Di Giorgio, Antonella Diamanti, Valeria Dipasquale, Enrico Felici, Ruggiero Francavilla, Valentina Giorgio, Luigi Greco, Raffaele lorio, Flavio Labriola, Paolo Lionetti, Elena Lionetti, Giuseppe Maggiore, Monica Malamisura, Claudia Mandato, Antonio Marseglia, Emanuele Nicastro, Lorenzo Norsa, Salvatore Oliva, Licia Pensabene, Elena Sofia Pieri, Paolo Quitadamo, Giusy Ranucci, Sara Renzo, Claudio Romano, Silvia Salvatore, Luca Scarallo, Maria Immacolata Spagnuolo, Annamaria Staiano, Caterina Strisciuglio, Renato Tambucci, Riccardo Troncone, Pietro Vajro
Institutions: University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia, University of Brescia, University of Naples Federico II, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Great Ormond Street Hospital, IRCCS Materno Infantile Burlo Garofolo, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Fondazione Bambino Gesù, Marche Polytechnic University, Santobono Children's Hospital, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, University of Udine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Nazionale SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Ospedale Pediatrico Giovanni XXIII, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, Ospedale Maggiore Carlo Alberto Pizzardi, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Ospedale dei Bambini Vittore Buzzi, Magna Graecia University, Ospedale San Donato, Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, University of Insubria, Ospedale Filippo Del Ponte Varese, Federico II University Hospital, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", University of Salerno
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,900
OpenAlex ID: W7204235753