Efthymios Oikononou

Dr. Efthymios Oikononou

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

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PANAGIOTIS TSIKOURASPANAGIOTIS TSIKOURAS
PANAGIOTIS TSIKOURAS
EOEfthymios Oikononou
Efthymios Oikononou
KNKonstantinos Nikolettos
Konstantinos Nikolettos
SASotiris Andreou
Sotiris Andreou
DKDimitrios Kyriakou
Dimitrios Kyriakou
NNNikos Nikolettos
Nikos Nikolettos
This review delves into the possible connection between periodontitis and negative pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia and preterm birth. It highlights the potential influence of an unidentified microbial factor on preeclampsia and the effects of inflammatory responses on the rate of preterm births. Furthermore, it underscores the prevalent occurrence of oral ailments within the populace and their significant repercussions on quality of life. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy may exacerbate oral conditions such as pregnancy gingivitis and periodontitis, necessitating bespoke therapeutic approaches that take into account potential fetal ramifications. Periodontal disease, characterized by microbial attack and inflammatory response, results in tissue destruction and tooth loss. The oral cavity’s susceptibility to bacterial colonization, which is primarily due to its role as a site for food intake, is highlighted. Furthermore, research indicates a correlation between inflammatory responses and factors such as prostaglandin E2 and IL-1β, and preterm birth. Therapeutic interventions are a focus of international research, with efforts being aimed at optimizing outcomes through larger studies involving pregnant women.

29 January 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
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PANAGIOTIS TSIKOURASPANAGIOTIS TSIKOURAS
PANAGIOTIS TSIKOURAS
KNKonstantinos Nikolettos
Konstantinos Nikolettos
SKSonia Kotanidou
Sonia Kotanidou
NKNektaria Kritsotaki
Nektaria Kritsotaki
EOEfthymios Oikononou
Efthymios Oikononou
NNNikos Nikolettos
Nikos Nikolettos
Objective: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a complex, advancing condition marked either by the recent emergence of hypertension and proteinuria or by the recent onset of hypertension accompanied by notable end-organ impairment, which may occur with or without proteinuria. PE usually appears in the postpartum phase or after the 20th week of gestation, though it might appear sooner in cases of molar pregnancy. Pathophysiology: This disorder is a serious multisystem condition during pregnancy that can lead to serious, life-threatening complications for both the mother and the fetus if it is not diagnosed and managed promptly. These changes result from widespread and intense vasoconstriction caused by renin, angiotensin II (Ang II), aldosterone, and catecholamines. The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and its sequence of signaling reactions demonstrate its crucial role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance that diverges in PE from that observed in healthy pregnancies. However, it is widely recognized that the above description is incomplete for pre-eclampsia and further relationships should be analyzed. The purpose of this article is to review and synthesize alterations in renal function and the RAAS during normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. We aim to provide clinical gynecologists with a comprehensive understanding of how pregnancy-specific adaptations can impact renal function and the RAAS, as well as the deviations observed in pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: This information is essential to enhance clinical awareness, improve the accuracy of diagnosis, and support evidence-based decision-making in the management of pregnant patients, especially those complicated by pre-eclampsia.

Verified
Journal Article
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PANAGIOTIS TSIKOURASPANAGIOTIS TSIKOURAS
PANAGIOTIS TSIKOURAS
EOEfthymios Oikononou
Efthymios Oikononou
ABAnastasia Bothou
Anastasia Bothou
PCPenelopi Chaitidou
Penelopi Chaitidou
DKDimitrios Kyriakou
Dimitrios Kyriakou
NNNikos Nikolettos
Nikos Nikolettos
Despite the increased frequency of endometriosis, it remains one of the most enigmatic disorders regarding its effects on pregnancy. Endometriosis adversely affects both natural and assisted conception. Impaired folliculogenesis, which causes follicular dysfunction and low egg quality, as well as luteal phase problems, reduced fertilization, and abnormal embryogenesis, are some of the mechanisms advocated to explain reproductive dysfunction. There is a rising need for a comprehensive study of the potential negative consequences of this condition on pregnancy outcomes, including the postpartum period, as more women with a medical history of endometriosis become pregnant. Obstetrical complications (small for gestational age [SGA], cesarean section [CS], miscarriage, hemorrhage, low placental adhesion, and preterm delivery) are statistically elevated in women with endometriosis. Furthermore, ruptured ovarian endometrioma, appendicitis, intestinal perforation, and hemoperitoneum have been described in pregnancy. Obstetricians are largely unfamiliar with these complications, as they have not been thoroughly investigated. The development and pathogenesis of endometriosis is an important field of study and has not yet been fully elucidated. Finding these mechanisms is crucial for the development of new and more effective strategies to treat this condition. Endometriosis can have an impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy, in addition to its potential effects on conception. To date, no additional monitoring is recommended for pregnancies with a history of endometriosis. However, more studies are urgently needed to assess the need for the tailored pregnancy monitoring of women with endometriosis.

15 October 2024 in Medicina
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AGAngeliki Gerede
Angeliki Gerede
SSSofoklis Stavros
Sofoklis Stavros
CCChristos Chatzakis
Christos Chatzakis
Eleftherios VavoulidisEleftherios Vavoulidis
Eleftherios Vavoulidis
PPPanagiota Papasozomenou
Panagiota Papasozomenou
NNNikos Nikolettos
Nikos Nikolettos
The use of cannabis during pregnancy has emerged as a mounting cause for concern due to its potential adverse consequences on both the mother and her offspring. This review will focus on the dangers associated with prenatal exposure to cannabis, particularly those related to neurodevelopment. It will also discuss the features of maternal and placental functioning that are likely to have long-term effects on the offspring’s development. The most pertinent and up-to-date materials can be found through a literature search. The literature emphasizes the substantial hazards associated with prenatal exposure to cannabis. These include impairments in cognitive function and difficulties in behavior in this particular instance. Structural and functional alterations in the brain can be noticed in offspring. The use of cannabis has been associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing pregnancy-related complications, such as giving birth prematurely and having a baby with a low birth weight. Additionally, it has been connected to potential negative effects on mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that when a pregnant woman is exposed to cannabis, it can negatively impact the functioning of the placenta and the growth of the fetus. This might potentially contribute to the development of placental insufficiency and restricted growth in the womb. Longitudinal studies reveal that children who were exposed to cannabis in the womb experience additional long-term developmental challenges, such as decreased cognitive abilities, reduced academic performance, and behavioral issues. In order to address the problem of cannabis usage during pregnancy, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive and coordinated strategy. This method should integrate and synchronize public health policy, education, and research initiatives. By implementing these targeted strategies, it is possible to mitigate potential health and welfare concerns for both present and future generations.

22 August 2024 in Biomedicines
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PANAGIOTIS TSIKOURASPANAGIOTIS TSIKOURAS
PANAGIOTIS TSIKOURAS
NKNektaria Kritsotaki
Nektaria Kritsotaki
KNKonstantinos Nikolettos
Konstantinos Nikolettos
SKSonia Kotanidou
Sonia Kotanidou
EOEfthymios Oikononou
Efthymios Oikononou
NNNikos Nikolettos
Nikos Nikolettos
Adenomyosis is characterized by ectopic proliferation of endometrial tissue within the myometrium. Histologically, this condition is marked by the presence of islands of benign endometrial glands surrounded by stromal cells. The myometrium appears thinner, and cross-sectional analysis often reveals signs of recent or chronic hemorrhage. The ectopic endometrial tissue may respond to ovarian hormonal stimulation, exhibiting proliferative or secretory changes during the menstrual cycle, potentially leading to bleeding, uterine swelling, and pain. Adenomyosis can appear as either a diffuse or focal condition. It is crucial to understand that adenomyosis involves the infiltration of the endometrium into the myometrium, rather than its displacement. The surgical management of adenomyosis is contingent upon its anatomical extent. The high incidence of the disease and the myths that develop around it increase the need to study its characteristics and its association with pregnancy and potential obstetric complications. These complications often require quick decisions, appropriate diagnosis, and proper counseling. Therefore, knowing the possible risks associated with adenomyosis is key to decision making. Pregnancy has a positive effect on adenomyosis and its painful symptoms. This improvement is not only due to the inhibition of ovulation, which inhibits the bleeding of adenomyotic tissue, but also to the metabolic, hormonal, immunological, and angiogenic changes associated with pregnancy. Adenomyosis affects pregnancy through disturbances of the endocrine system and the body’s immune response at both local and systemic levels. It leads to bleeding from the adenomyotic tissue, molecular and functional abnormalities of the ectopic endometrium, abnormal placentation, and destruction of the adenomyotic tissue due to changes in the hormonal environment that characterizes pregnancy. Some of the obstetric complications that occur in women with adenomyosis in pregnancy include miscarriage, preterm delivery, placenta previa, low birth weight for gestational age, obstetric hemorrhage, and the need for cesarean section. These complications are an understudied field and remain unknown to the majority of obstetricians. These pathological conditions pose challenges to both the typical progression of pregnancy and the smooth conduct of labor in affected women. Further multicenter studies are imperative to validate the most suitable method for concluding labor following surgical intervention for adenomyosis.

31 January 2025 in Life
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Journal Article
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EOEfthymios Oikononou
Efthymios Oikononou
CCChristos Chatzakis
Christos Chatzakis
SSSofoklis Stavros
Sofoklis Stavros
Anastasios PotirisAnastasios Potiris
Anastasios Potiris
KNKonstantinos Nikolettos
Konstantinos Nikolettos
AGAngeliki Gerede
Angeliki Gerede
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent medical complication in pregnancy that is rapidly escalating worldwide, with epidemic implications. This systematic review aims to identify fetal brain changes using neurosonography and pinpoint potential markers for the early diagnosis of GDM. We conducted a literature search from 6 January 2013 to 4 September 2024 to identify studies examining fetal brain development using ultrasound in pregnancies affected by GDM compared to uncomplicated pregnancies. The outcome measures included the cavum septum pellucidum (CSP), corpus callosum (CC), lateral ventricle (LV), cisterna magna (CM), transcerebellar diameter (TCD), cerebral fissures (CF), and others. For pregnancies affected by GDM, results were reported. Five studies were included. The findings suggest that the width of the CSP was larger in fetuses of mothers with GDM compared to the control group, and the mean widths of LVs were also larger in the fetuses of diabetic mothers compared to the control group. The influence of GDM on fetal brain development as assessed by neurosonography necessitates thorough investigation in future studies.