Data from the daily practice of family pediatricians represent a unique and valuable resource.  This information helps investigations into the understanding of pediatric diseases, analyze healthcare dynamics, and gain better insights into the overall health of the pediatric population.  

Since 1998, Pedianet, an Italian network of family pediatricians, has been systematically collecting clinical and epidemiological data to support scientific research and contribute to the improvement of pediatric healthcare. 

This system is based on the transmission of specific data (determined by individual studies) from computerised clinical files, which the paediatricians in the network fill out during their daily professional activities. Informed consent is required from the parents. Such data is collected anonymously by a central server in Padua, where it is validated and elaborated.
Pedianet is an independent network. The coordination of the projects and data analysis are carried out by a scientific committee that include internationally reknown paediatricians, epidemiologists and researchers.
Studies carried out to-date have been financed by public bodies (European Commission, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, AIFA, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Regione Veneto, Aziende Socio Sanitarie, Istituto Zooprofilattico delle Venezie) or private groups such as pharmaceutical companies or international research groups. Each project is guided by an agreement between the “sponsor” and Pedianet which always includes publication of the study.
From January 2007, a new law has made it mandatory to present a Paediatric Investigation Plan to EMEA to obtain a paediatric licence. There are also a number of incentives for companies obtaining a paediatric licence for drugs which are already on the market, both under patent and “off patent”. In the last few months the new European legislature has brought about important developments in paediatric clinical research.

The role of Pedianet, not just as a database, but as an organised structure in which different competencies converge, is essential in this new context. This is confirmed by the presence and participation of Pedianet in important European projects and by the growing interest from European institutions, research groups, and pharmaceutical companies in collaborating with Pedianet.
Reference Book:
Anna cantarutti, Carlo Giaquinto, Pedianet Database, Database for Pharmacoepidemiological Research, Springer Series on Epidemiology and Public Health (2021)

Scientific Committee

  • Dr Luigi Cantarutti, Pediatrician, National Coordinator of the Network
  • Prof Carlo Giaquinto, University of Padova
  • Prof Eugenio Baraldi, MD is a professor of pediatrics, director of the Women's and Children's Health Department, head of the Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and the director of the School of Pediatrics at the University of Padova. He is also the Scientific Director at the Institute of Pediatric Research Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy.
  • Prof Silvia Bressan, University of Padova
  • Prof Paolo Rossi, University of Tor Vergata, Roma

Statistical Analysis

The statistical analysis was conducted in collaboration with the biostatistics group at the University of Milano-Bicocca

Coordinator:

Dr. Anna Cantarutti (PhD, Public Health) has over ten years of experience in pharmacoepidemiological research focused on maternal and child health. Her research interests include the utilization, comparative safety, and effectiveness of medications in pregnant women, their offspring, and children. More recently, her work has focused on preventing respiratory infections in paediatrics, including treatments and immunization strategies.

Group:

Dr. Riccardo Boracchini (PhD student in Public Health)
Dr. Benedetta Canova (PhD student in Public Health)
Dr. Vera Rigamonti (research fellow)

Data Monitor

Antonio Scamarcia, Società Servizi Telematici, Padova

Computer-related Assistance

Alessandro Zandarin, Società Servizi Telematici, Padova