Teodora Ana Balan

Dr. Teodora Ana Balan


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

View All Publications
8 November 2024 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TBTeodora Ana Balan
Teodora Ana Balan
RBRaluca Balan
Raluca Balan
Socolov DemetraSocolov Demetra
Socolov Demetra
VGVlad Radu Gheorghiță
Vlad Radu Gheorghiță
TBTudor Butureanu
Tudor Butureanu
ICIrina-Draga Caruntu
Irina-Draga Caruntu
More common than cervical cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) represents a precursor lesion of cervical carcinoma, being associated with HPV infection. Due to the bidirectional relationship between HPV and estrogen and progesterone in pregnancy, most of the published data claim that precancerous lesions remain stable or even regress during pregnancy, although several studies have indicated the tendency of HSILs to persist. It is considered that pregnancy-related cervical precancerous lesions undergo a postpartum regression, due to stimulatory effects of the immune microenvironment. Due to the rarity of publications on this subject, we aimed to offer a concise overview of and new insights into the current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and evolution of pregnancy-associated precancerous lesions, as well as their impact upon gestation and fertility.

26 April 2026 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TCTeona Elena Cosovanu
Teona Elena Cosovanu
TBTeodora Ana Balan
Teodora Ana Balan
ECEric Oliviu Coșovanu
Eric Oliviu Coșovanu
SISilvia Ionescu
Silvia Ionescu
CDCostin Dămian
Costin Dămian
Ramona Gabriela UrsuRamona Gabriela Ursu
Ramona Gabriela Ursu
Neonatal infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among preterm and low-birth-weight infants and in low- and middle-income countries. This burden has intensified with the global increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially in neonatal intensive care units, where prolonged hospitalization, invasive interventions, and exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics promote colonization, transmission, and invasive infection. In this narrative review, we explore the epidemiology and microbiological characteristics of MDR bacterial infections in newborns, alongside their associated risk factors, diagnostic challenges, treatment outcomes, and prevention strategies. Across different settings, Gram-negative pathogens, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii, account for a substantial proportion of severe neonatal infections, whereas methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus remains important in selected units. The risk of MDR infection is driven by a complex interplay of factors, ranging from maternal and perinatal exposures to the inherent immunological vulnerability of newborns, hospital-based transmission, antibiotic selection pressure, and structural deficiencies in healthcare infrastructure. Diagnosis remains challenging because clinical presentations are nonspecific and culture-based methods are constrained by low blood volumes, prior antimicrobial exposure, and delayed turnaround times. Treatment is increasingly complicated due to resistance to standard empirical regimens, substantial regional variation in susceptibility profiles, and limited neonatal pharmacokinetic and safety data for reserve agents. Current evidence mainly supports surveillance-informed empirical therapy, susceptibility-guided treatment adjustment, antimicrobial stewardship, and strict infection prevention measures. Future progress will require neonatal-specific clinical trials, harmonized surveillance systems, stronger molecular epidemiology, and more equitable access to microbiological diagnostics and effective treatment.

1 June 2024 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GSGabriela Dumachita Sargu
Gabriela Dumachita Sargu
Razvan SocolovRazvan Socolov
Razvan Socolov
TBTeodora Ana Balan
Teodora Ana Balan
DGDumitru Gafițanu
Dumitru Gafițanu
MAMona Akad
Mona Akad
RBRaluca Balan
Raluca Balan
Struma ovarii is a rare type of ovarian teratoma primarily composed of over 50% thyroid tissue. Its occurrence is reported in 2–5% of all ovarian teratomas, with approximately 0.5% to 10% showing malignant transformation. Managing it during pregnancy poses significant challenges as pregnancy can promote the growth of malignant struma ovarii due to elevated levels of ovarian and pregnancy-related hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Most ovarian tumors, including struma ovarii, are detected during routine ultrasonography in the first and second trimesters, often as acute emergencies. Diagnosis during pregnancy is rare, with some cases incidentally discovered during cesarean section when inspecting the adnexa for ovarian cysts. This review explores the diagnostic, management, and therapeutic approaches to struma ovarii during pregnancy.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TBTeodora Ana Balan
Teodora Ana Balan
RBRaluca Balan
Raluca Balan
Cornelia AmalineiCornelia Amalinei
Cornelia Amalinei
SGSimona Eliza Giusca
Simona Eliza Giusca
ICIrina-Draga Caruntu
Irina-Draga Caruntu
A hydatidiform mole (HM) is the most common form of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Differentiating hydatidiform moles (HMs) from non-molar pregnancies and distinguishing complete HMs (CHMs) from partial HMs (PHMs) remains challenging due to overlapping morphological features and a high rate of misclassification. This study aimed to evaluate reliable immunohistochemical markers for improving diagnostic accuracy and addressing the limitations of current molecular techniques. We retrospectively analyzed 64 cases of HMs and hydropic abortions (HAs), diagnosed in women aged 17–36 years between 2010 and 2024, at the Pathology Department of “Elena Doamna” Clinical Hospital, Iași, Romania. Routine histology was supplemented with immunohistochemistry (IHC) using p57, Ki-67, β-hCG, and E-cadherin, with semiquantitative immunoscores applied. Histology revealed 38 PHMs (59.37%), 16 CHMs (23.88%), and 10 HAs (15.62%). p57 was positive in 100% of PHMs and HAs but only in 18% of CHMs. Ki-67 expression was predominantly strong in CHMs, variable in PHMs, and weak in all HAs. β-hCG showed the highest expression in CHMs, followed by PHMs and HAs, while E-cadherin was strongest in HAs. Morphological features alone are insufficient for HM diagnosis; thus, ancillary techniques like p57 IHC and DNA genotyping are crucial to differentiate complete, partial moles, and non-molar specimens by revealing unique genetic patterns, especially p57 absence in CHMs and ploidy/parental origin in PHMs. In this context, an algorithmic approach integrating histology, immunohistochemistry, and genotyping reduces interobserver variability and refines diagnostic precision.

16 December 2025 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AHAna-Maria Haliciu
Ana-Maria Haliciu
CFCristina Furnica
Cristina Furnica
CSCristinel Ionel Stan
Cristinel Ionel Stan
RGRaluca-Mihaela Gemanariu
Raluca-Mihaela Gemanariu
IPIoana Pavaleanu
Ioana Pavaleanu
RBRaluca Balan
Raluca Balan
Background: Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS) is a rare uterine mesenchymal neoplasm characterized by indolent progression and strong hormonal responsiveness. Accurate diagnosis remains challenging due to its overlapping clinical, pathological, and imaging features with other benign or malignant uterine entities. Case Presentation: This article presents a case of LG-ESS in a 50-year-old woman, encompassing the clinical presentation, imaging features, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, the surgical management and postoperative course, as well as a focused synthesis of the current literature on this pathology. The patient presented with recurrent abnormal uterine bleeding and secondary anemia. Imaging data, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revealed a heterogeneous intracavitary lesion with cystic components, suggestive of submucosal fibroids. Surgical management via total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed due to suspicion of sarcoma and the need to suppress hormonal stimulation. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation confirmed LG-ESS. The patient had no lympho-vascular invasion, presenting a favorable postoperative evolution. Conclusions: This case highlights the need to maintain a strong clinical suspicion for uterine sarcomas in patients presenting with atypical bleeding and presumed fibroids, especially among perimenopausal women. A multidisciplinary approach, including imaging, surgery, pathology, molecular profiling, and oncology, is essential for accurate diagnosis and optimal management.

21 August 2026 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ECEric Oliviu Coșovanu
Eric Oliviu Coșovanu
TCTeona Elena Cosovanu
Teona Elena Cosovanu
TBTeodora Ana Balan
Teodora Ana Balan
CFCezar Ilie Foia
Cezar Ilie Foia
CTCosmin Gabriel Tartau
Cosmin Gabriel Tartau
Mititelu-Tartau LilianaMititelu-Tartau Liliana
Mititelu-Tartau Liliana
Background and Objectives: Topical diclofenac is recommended over oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for osteoarthritis, particularly in older adults and those with comorbidities, on the assumption that low systemic absorption limits renal effects. Whether this presumed safety extends to patients already at increased risk of kidney injury has not been systematically evaluated. This review assessed the evidence on renal outcomes of topical diclofenac in adults. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD420261393454) of studies reporting renal outcomes after topical diclofenac exposure. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to 19 April 2026. Studies were stratified a priori into increased-renal-risk and general populations and synthesised separately, without pooling. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2, ROBINS-I, and JBI tools, certainty with GRADE, and synthesis followed the SWiM framework. Results: Eighteen studies, contributing data from more than 500,000 participants, were included; 14 underwent primary risk-of-bias appraisal (three at low, three at serious or high risk). In general populations, topical diclofenac produced little to no change in serum creatinine or creatinine clearance and smaller renal effects than oral diclofenac, providing high-certainty evidence of a favourable profile. In increased-renal-risk populations, one adjusted cohort reported higher acute kidney injury (AKI) risk among topical NSAID users, although exposure was predominantly to non-diclofenac agents; within the same cohort, topical NSAIDs carried lower risk than systemic NSAIDs. No study evaluated early renal injury biomarkers; certainty was moderate owing to indirectness. Conclusions: Relative to oral diclofenac, topical diclofenac shows a favourable renal safety profile, with high-certainty evidence in general populations. In adults at increased renal risk, moderate-certainty evidence derived from predominantly non-diclofenac exposure over short observation windows cannot exclude a modest excess of any-stage AKI; renal risk therefore appears reduced rather than absent. Diclofenac-specific studies in chronic kidney disease using sensitive biomarkers and longer follow-up are needed.