Supported by EGOI, the new Center will focus on the early identification of gynecological, hormonal and metabolic signs that may require monitoring over time
On September 15, 2026, a new specialist Center dedicated to gynecological and endocrine-metabolic health in pediatric and adolescent patients was officially inaugurated at the “SS. Annunziata” University Hospital in Chieti, Italy.
Supported by EGOI and operating within the Local Health Authority of Lanciano Vasto Chieti, the Center was established within the Department of Pediatrics, directed by Professor Francesco Chiarelli. The Department is part of the hospital’s Maternal and Child Health Department and hosts the Pediatric Residency Program of the “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara.
The new Center responds to a key clinical need: identifying, from the earliest stages of life, gynecological, hormonal and metabolic signs that may require further investigation and long-term monitoring.
Persistent menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenic manifestations and metabolic alterations do not necessarily indicate the presence of a specific syndrome. However, they may represent relevant clinical signs and, over time, could be associated with the development of conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, now also referred to as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS/PMOS).
The Center therefore focuses on prevention and timely care rather than waiting until adulthood or until a condition is fully established before assessing its possible risk factors.
A multidisciplinary model of care
In line with the clinical approach promoted by EGOI, the Center brings together expertise from different medical and healthcare disciplines, including pediatrics, endocrinology, gynecology, nutrition, psychology, child neuropsychiatry and cardiology.
This multidisciplinary model makes it possible to consider each young patient’s health as a whole, integrating reproductive, hormonal, metabolic, cardiovascular, nutritional and psychological aspects into a coordinated care pathway.
The team includes:
- Pediatrics: Dr Sara Prosperi
- Gynecology: Dr Francesca Di Sebastiano, Dr Ilde Verna and Dr Gilda Di Paolo
- Endocrinology: Professor Cosimo Giannini
- Nutrition: Dr Manuela Rosati
- Psychology and Child Neuropsychiatry: Dr Valentina Tatasciore and Dr Riccardo Alessandrelli
- Cardiology: Dr Maria Candelino
The project is led by Professor Francesco Chiarelli and Professor Cosimo Giannini.
From medical education to clinical practice
The opening of the Chieti Center also represents a concrete development of The Adolescent Tango, the advanced medical education program promoted by EGOI throughout 2026 and dedicated to gynecological and endocrine-metabolic health during adolescence.
The program was created to help clinicians distinguish the physiological variability of puberty from signs that should not automatically be considered temporary and may instead require structured assessment and follow-up.
With the opening of the new Center, the principles explored through medical education now become part of a dedicated clinical pathway. Prevention, multidisciplinary expertise and early attention come together to support young patients throughout a particularly important stage of their health journey.
Location: “SS. Annunziata” University Hospital, Via dei Vestini 5, Chieti, Italy.