Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40564755›Full record

ReviewChildren (Basel, Switzerland)2025

The Many Faces of Child Abuse: How Clinical, Genetic and Epigenetic Correlates Help Us See the Full Picture.

Enrico Parano, Vito Pavone, Martino Ruggieri, Iside Castagnola, Giuseppe Ettore, Gaia Fusto, Roberta Rizzo, Piero Pavone

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Children (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Enrico ParanoInstitute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), 95123 Catania  (CT), Italy.
Vito PavoneSection of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University Hospital Policlinico "Rodolico-San Marco", University of Catania, 95123 Catania  (CT), Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-5664-8066
Martino RuggieriUnit of Clinical Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", University of Catania, 95123 Catania  (CT), Italy.
Iside CastagnolaCo.Re.Com, Regional Committe for Communication, 00193 Rome (RM), Italy.
Giuseppe EttoreDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e di Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS) Garibaldi Nesima, 95124 Catania  (CT), Italy.
Gaia FustoDepartment of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95124 Catania  (CT), Italy.
Roberta RizzoDepartment of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95124 Catania  (CT), Italy.
Piero PavoneInstitute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), 95123 Catania  (CT), Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-5600-9560

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesChild abuse is a pervasive global issue with significant implications for the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of victims. This review highlights the clinical, molecular, and therapeutic dimensions of child abuse, emphasizing its long-term impact and the need for interdisciplinary approaches. Early exposure to abuse activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to chronic cortisol release and subsequent neuroplastic changes in brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. These molecular alterations, including epigenetic modifications and inflammatory responses, contribute to the heightened risk of psychiatric disorders and chronic illnesses in survivors. Clinically, child abuse presents with diverse manifestations ranging from physical injuries to psychological and developmental disorders, making timely diagnosis challenging.

methodsA multidisciplinary approach involving thorough clinical evaluation, detailed histories, and collaboration with child protection services is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective intervention.

resultsRecent advances in molecular biology have identified biomarkers, such as stress-related hormones and epigenetic changes, which provide novel insights into the physiological impact of abuse and potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Current treatment strategies prioritize the child's safety, psychological well-being, and prevention of further abuse. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and family-centered interventions are pivotal in promoting recovery and resilience.

conclusionsEmerging research focuses on integrating molecular findings with clinical practice, utilizing digital health tools, and leveraging big data to develop predictive models and personalized treatments. Interdisciplinary collaboration remains crucial to translating research into policy and practice, ultimately aiming to mitigate the impact of child abuse and improve outcomes for survivors.

Indexed as

child abuse and maltreatmentepigeneticsgeneticshypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)translational research

Identifiers

PMID40564755
PMCPMC12191296

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.