Background: Preeclampsia (PE) remains a significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, with diagnostic criteria still evolving. Serum albumin, a potential marker of endothelial dysfunction and protein loss, has been proposed as a severity indicator in PE. This study evaluates the clinical utility of serum albumin levels, particularly values below 2 g/dL, in assessing PE severity and predicting maternal–fetal complications. Methods: We conducted a prospective and descriptive study including 59 pregnant women diagnosed with PE. The participants were divided into mild (n = 23) and severe (n = 36) PE groups based on national guidelines. Serum albumin, 24 h proteinuria, renal and hepatic function markers, and fetal outcomes were analyzed. ROC curve analysis was employed to determine albumin’s diagnostic performance. Results: Serum albumin levels were significantly lower in the severe PE group compared to the mild PE group (1.82 ± 0.50 vs. 2.44 ± 0.36 g/dL, p < 0.001). ROC analysis identified a threshold of 2.3 g/dL (sensitivity: 88.9%, specificity: 73.9%) for distinguishing PE severity. A strong association was observed between albumin < 2 g/dL and severe proteinuria (>3 g/24 h), but no significant association emerged with renal or hepatic dysfunction, fetal complications, or birth outcomes. Conclusions: Although serum albumin < 2 g/dL is associated with severe proteinuria, it does not independently correlate with other maternal or fetal complications in PE. These findings suggest that albumin may serve as a complementary, but not a standalone, marker in assessing PE severity.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to find correlations between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid autoimmune pathology in a group of patients from Dobrogea, a non-endemic geographical area, with a high degree of sunshine. An important factor in maintaining immunological balance is the intake of an adequate level of vitamin D. Multiple studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have analyzed the possible effect of this factor in promoting autoimmunity, as the serum level of BAFF often increases among patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Methods: This study included 80 patients with autoimmune thyroid pathology from the Dobrogea area. The entire study group (n = 80) was divided according to the established diagnosis into two study groups: Group 1 included 62 patients with CAT (chronic autoimmune thyroiditis), and Group 2 included 18 patients with GD (Graves’ disease). Results: Vitamin D study average values of 25-OH-vitamin D found statistically significant differences between vitamin D values in the two groups (p = 0.018). Determination of BAFF (B-cell-activating factor) serum levels among patients with CAT and GD obtained a lower mean value of BAFF for the CAT group compared with the GD group. The evolution of BAFF serum level related to the serum levels of the antithyroid antibodies ATPO (antithyroidperoxidase) and ATG (antithyroglobulin) was also analyzed. In the patients with GD, BAFF was not correlated with the value of ATPO or ATG, but in the patients with CAT, a correlation was found between the value of BAFF and the level of ATG but not the ATPO level. Conclusions: This study analyzed BAFF serum levels in patients with CAT and GD. The results indicate that BAFF acts as a stimulatory factor of immunoglobulin production in autoimmune diseases. These results require clarifying the role and therapeutic benefits of supplementing vitamin D intake in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Objectives: Depressive syndrome is commonly observed in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases, often coexisting with specific endocrine symptoms. This study highlights a higher prevalence of depression in patients from urban environments, potentially influenced by occupational, educational, and psychosocial factors, as well as environmental endocrine disruptors. Depression may develop at any age, with increased frequency among older individuals due to chronic health conditions. Early identification using tools such as the Beck Depression Inventory can support timely intervention and appropriate treatment strategies. Methods: This paper presents a clinical observational study involving 80 patients with autoimmune thyroid disease from the Dobrogea region, Romania. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT, n=62) and Group 2 with Graves’ disease (GD, n=18), reflecting the lower prevalence of GD. Inclusion criteria required confirmed autoimmune thyroid disease and residence in Constanța County. Patients underwent clinical and paraclinical evaluations, including hormonal and antibody testing, as well as vitamin D level assessment. Depression was screened using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), a 21-item tool used to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms, particularly in relation to vitamin D deficiency. Results: The study found that depression was more prevalent among GD patients (66.7%) compared to those with CAT (53.2%), with higher incidence in urban areas and among older individuals. Increased depression severity was associated with lower vitamin D levels, higher ATPO and TRAb levels, and suboptimal thyroid function. Mild depression was most common and linked to vitamin D deficiency in both groups. The Beck Depression Inventory-II effectively captured varying depression degrees across clinical and biochemical parameters. Conclusions: Depression is a common comorbidity in autoimmune thyroid disorders and should be systematically assessed, with a multidisciplinary approach and attention to vitamin D status using cost-effective screening methods.

Objectives: Finding correlations between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid autoimmune pathology in a group of patients from Dobrogea, the non-endemic geographical area, with a high degree of sunshine.An important factor in maintaining immunological balance is represented by an adequate level of vitamin D, multiple studies suggesting that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases. Recent studies analyze the possible effect of this factor in promoting autoimmunity, the serum level of BAFF being often increased among patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Methods : The study included 80 patients with autoimmune thyroid pathology, from Dobrogea area. The entire study group (n = 80) was divided according to the established diagnosis into two study groups: Group 1 – including 62 patients with CAT and Group 2 – including 18 patients with GD. Results: Vitamin D study average values of 25-OH-vitamin D found statistically significant differences between vitamin D values in the two groups (p = 0.018). Determination of BAFF serum levels among patients with CAT and GD obtained a lower mean value of BAFF for the CAT group compared to GD group. The evolution of BAFF serum level related to the serum levels of the antithyroid antibodies ATPO and ATG was also analyzed. For patients with GD, BAFF was not correlated with the value of ATPO or ATG, but in the patients with CAT, a correlation was found between the value of BAFF and the level of ATG but not with ATPO level. Conclusions: The study analyzed BAFF serum levels in patients with CAT and respectively GD as a result of that BAFF acts as a stimulatory factor of immunoglobulin production in autoimmune diseases. These results require clarifying the role and therapeutic benefits of supplementing vitamin D intake in patients with autoimmune diseases.