Alina Simona Abu-Awwad

Dr. Alina Simona Abu-Awwad

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
12 September 2024 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FSFlavius George Socol
Flavius George Socol
Elena BernadElena Bernad
Elena Bernad
MCMarius L. Craina
Marius L. Craina
AAAlina Simona Abu-Awwad
Alina Simona Abu-Awwad
BBBrenda Cristiana Bernad
Brenda Cristiana Bernad
NANicoleta Andreescu
Nicoleta Andreescu
Background and Objectives: Hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, pose significant risks during pregnancy, affecting both maternal and neonatal health. The study aims to analyze short- and long-term health implications for mothers and their children, comparing those with pre-eclampsia to those without, to improve understanding of risk factors, diagnostic markers, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study involved 235 patients, 98 with pre-eclampsia and 137 without, monitored from 2015 to 2018 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the “Pius Brînzeu” Emergency County Clinical Hospital in Timișoara, Romania. Results: Women with pre-eclampsia were older, had higher BMIs, and more frequently had a family history of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and diabetes. They also had lower educational and socioeconomic levels and fewer prenatal visits. Biochemical markers such as higher proteinuria, elevated sFlt-1, and lower PlGF were significant in diagnosing pre-eclampsia. Short-term maternal complications like eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and acute kidney injury were more prevalent in the pre-eclampsia group. Neonatal outcomes included higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and NICU admissions. Long-term mothers with a history of pre-eclampsia had higher incidences of chronic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Their children faced increased risks of neuropsychological delays, chronic respiratory issues, behavioral disorders, learning difficulties, and frequent infections. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant short- and long-term health impacts of pre-eclampsia on both mothers and their children. Early monitoring, intervention, and comprehensive management are crucial in mitigating these risks. These findings underscore the need for personalized care strategies to improve health outcomes for affected individuals.

2 October 2023 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Cristina TudoranCristina Tudoran
Cristina Tudoran
MTMARIANA TUDORAN
MARIANA TUDORAN
CGCatalina Giurgi-Oncu
Catalina Giurgi-Oncu
Ahmed Abu-AwwadAhmed Abu-Awwad
Ahmed Abu-Awwad
AAAlina Simona Abu-Awwad
Alina Simona Abu-Awwad
FVFlorica Voita-Mekeres
Florica Voita-Mekeres
Background and Objectives: The relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality is well-established. Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are frequently diagnosed in patients with T2DM, especially in those with associated coronary syndrome, non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM), and heart failure (HF). In these patients, VA and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are considered responsible for more than 50% of CV deaths. Newly developed glucose-lowering agents (GLA) seem not only to ameliorate CV morbidity and mortality, but also to reduce the risk of VA and SCA. Materials and Methods: We researched the medical literature on Pub-Med, Clarivate, and Google Scholar for original articles published in the last five years that debated the possible effects of various GLA on ventricular arrhythmias. Results: We identified nineteen original articles, nine of them debating the antiarrhythmic effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i); Conclusions: The results concerning the impact of various GLA on VA/SCA were heterogeneous depending on the pharmacological class studied, with some of them having neutral, positive, or negative effects. Although it appears that SGLT2i reduces the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and SCA, their effect on VA is not conclusive.

1 April 2025 in Geriatrics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MBMarc-Dan Blajovan
Marc-Dan Blajovan
AAAlina Simona Abu-Awwad
Alina Simona Abu-Awwad
MTMirela Cleopatra Tomescu
Mirela Cleopatra Tomescu
Cristina TudoranCristina Tudoran
Cristina Tudoran
DGDaniela Gurgus
Daniela Gurgus
Ahmed Abu-AwwadAhmed Abu-Awwad
Ahmed Abu-Awwad
Background/Objectives: Inflammatory sarcopenia, characterized by muscle weakness exacerbated by chronic systemic inflammation, has emerged as a critical factor in fall risk among older adults. While previous studies have examined sarcopenia and inflammation independently, few have investigated their combined impact on mobility impairments and fall susceptibility, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This study aimed to assess the role of inflammatory sarcopenia in increasing fall risk by comparing functional performance, muscle strength, and inflammatory biomarkers across three groups: healthy older adults, individuals with non-inflammatory sarcopenia, and those with inflammatory sarcopenia. A secondary objective was to evaluate fall incidence in immunocompromised versus non-immunocompromised individuals. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 250 adults aged ≥65 years, categorized based on inflammatory status and muscle health. Functional assessments included handgrip strength, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and fall frequency analysis. Inflammatory status was determined by measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Multivariate regression models were used to identify predictors of fall risk. Results: Participants with inflammatory sarcopenia exhibited significantly higher CRP and IL-6 levels, greater muscle weakness, poorer mobility performance, and a fourfold increase in fall incidence compared to controls (p < 0.001). Immunocompromised individuals had nearly double the fall risk of their non-immunocompromised counterparts (p < 0.001). TUG test performance was the strongest fall predictor. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of integrating fall prevention strategies that not only focus on muscle-strengthening programs but also include regular screening for inflammatory markers. Given the strong association between systemic inflammation, muscle weakness, and fall risk, identifying and managing chronic inflammation may play a crucial role in reducing mobility impairments and improving outcomes in older adults.

9 October 2023 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Gheorghe Bogdan HogeaGheorghe Bogdan Hogea
Gheorghe Bogdan Hogea
JPJenel-Marian Patrascu
Jenel-Marian Patrascu
AAAlina Simona Abu-Awwad
Alina Simona Abu-Awwad
MSMadalina-Ianca Suba*
Madalina-Ianca Suba*
ABAndrei Daniel Bolovan
Andrei Daniel Bolovan
Ahmed Abu-AwwadAhmed Abu-Awwad
Ahmed Abu-Awwad
Background: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the single-incision technique with a distal biceps repair system versus the modified double-incision technique, specifically the Morrey-modified approach, Krackow sutures, and drill holes, for the management of acute and chronic distal biceps tendon rupture. The study was conducted at the Orthopedic-Traumatology Clinic II of SCJUPBT Timisoara, Romania, between 2014 and 2022. Methods: A total of sixty-nine patients with acute distal biceps tendon rupture and five patients with chronic distal tendon rupture were included in the study. Forty-eight cases underwent the single-incision technique with the distal biceps repair system, while twenty-four patients were treated with the modified double-incision technique. Results: Both surgical techniques demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of successful tendon repair and functional restoration. However, the single-incision technique exhibited slightly superior results in terms of patient satisfaction, range of motion, and postoperative rehabilitation. The modified double-incision technique showed comparable outcomes but had a higher incidence of complications, particularly related to wound healing. Conclusion: The single-incision technique with the distal biceps repair system and the modified double-incision technique, including the Morrey-modified approach, Krackow sutures, and drill holes, are effective surgical approaches for the management of distal biceps tendon rupture. The single-incision technique yielded better functional outcomes and patient satisfaction, while the modified double-incision technique had a higher risk of complications. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is necessary to validate these findings and determine the most appropriate surgical approach for distal biceps tendon rupture.

23 May 2024 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Gheorghe Bogdan HogeaGheorghe Bogdan Hogea
Gheorghe Bogdan Hogea
MSMadalina-Ianca Suba*
Madalina-Ianca Suba*
AAAlina Simona Abu-Awwad
Alina Simona Abu-Awwad
PCPaul Cuntan
Paul Cuntan
MPMihai-Valetin Popa
Mihai-Valetin Popa
Ahmed Abu-AwwadAhmed Abu-Awwad
Ahmed Abu-Awwad
This study investigates the correlation between COVID-19 and avascular necrosis of the femoral head, considering the potential contribution of medication-induced effects. This research spans the period from August 2022 to January 2024 and includes 32 patients diagnosed with avascular necrosis. While steroid usage, particularly in high doses, is known to predispose individuals to this condition, this study aims to discern if COVID-19 itself plays a role beyond the influence of medication. Notably, COVID-19 is associated with disturbances in the coagulation system, potentially leading to thromboembolic complications. Of the patients, six did not have COVID-19, while seven had the virus but did not receive steroid treatment. However, 19 patients with COVID-19 exhibited severe pulmonary involvement and were administered both high-dose steroids and antiviral medication. Among the observed patients, 14 were female and 18 were male. Notably, three patients presented bilateral necrosis, all of whom had COVID-19 and significant pulmonary involvement. Diagnostic assessments included frontal and profile X-rays, as well as MRI scans for all patients.

3 August 2023 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CFCosmin Ioan Faur
Cosmin Ioan Faur
Ahmed Abu-AwwadAhmed Abu-Awwad
Ahmed Abu-Awwad
JPJenel-Marian Patrascu
Jenel-Marian Patrascu
AAAlina Simona Abu-Awwad
Alina Simona Abu-Awwad
Cristina TudoranCristina Tudoran
Cristina Tudoran
(1) Background: Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors, primarily found in long bones, while scapular osteochondromas are rare and account for less than 1% of all osteochondromas. (2) Methods: We present a case of a young female patient with a unique presentation of scapular osteochondroma. The patient exhibited superomedial scapula angle osteochondroma with winging, a rare manifestation of scapular osteochondroma. The patient had a slow-growing mass on the left scapula for several years. Physical examination revealed a visible deformity with significant winging of the scapula. Imaging studies demonstrated a large osteochondroma arising from the superomedial angle of the left scapula, with a bony stalk. (3) Results: Surgical excision was performed, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of osteochondroma. Following the surgery, the patient experienced a significant improvement in scapular winging. A comprehensive literature review revealed only a limited number of reported cases of scapular osteochondroma with winging, underscoring the significance of this case report as a valuable addition to the existing literature. The diagnosis of scapular osteochondroma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with a scapular mass, particularly when associated with winging. Surgical excision is the recommended treatment, and complete excision is crucial to prevent recurrence. (4) Conclusions: This case report highlights a rare presentation of scapular osteochondroma with winging and emphasizes the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with scapular masses accompanied by winging. The successful surgical intervention in our case resulted in significant improvement. Clinicians should be aware of this entity and consider prompt surgical intervention for complete excision, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and preventing recurrence. Further research and additional case reports are necessary to enhance our understanding of scapular osteochondroma and its varied clinical presentations. Furthermore, comprehensive studies involving larger patient cohorts are necessary to explore the full spectrum of clinical presentations of scapular osteochondromas. By documenting and analyzing a wider range of cases, including variations in tumor location, size, and associated symptoms, researchers can identify patterns and establish more accurate diagnostic criteria. This will facilitate early detection and appropriate management of scapular osteochondromas, ultimately improving patient outcomes.