Ekaterina Uchikova Uchikova

Dr. Ekaterina Uchikova Uchikova


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

19Years (2008-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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18 July 2025 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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YMYana Teodorova Merdzhanova-Gargova
Yana Teodorova Merdzhanova-Gargova
MIMagdalena Ivanova
Magdalena Ivanova
AMAngelina Mollova-Kyosebekirova
Angelina Mollova-Kyosebekirova
Anna MihaylovaAnna Mihaylova
Anna Mihaylova
NPNikoleta Parahuleva-Rogacheva
Nikoleta Parahuleva-Rogacheva
MKMaria Koleva-Ivanova
Maria Koleva-Ivanova
Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer remains a significant global health issue, with high incidence and mortality rates, particularly in Eastern Europe. Despite the availability of vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV), regular screening remains crucial for prevention. Testing for HPV, alone or combined with cytology, has become an alternative to traditional methods. However, since many HPV infections are transient, additional tests are needed to identify high-risk cases. Methods: This study aims to generate detailed statistical data specific to the Bulgarian population, reinforcing the necessity of incorporating updated European methodologies and algorithms for the prophylaxis and prevention of cervical carcinoma. Results: By evaluating epidemiological trends, risk factors, and the effectiveness of current preventive measures, this research seeks to provide a strong foundation for enhancing cervical cancer screening and early detection programs. This method improves triage by identifying women who require further evaluation, ensuring timely referrals for colposcopy or biopsy. Conclusions: While liquid-based cytology (LBC) and HPV genotyping improve detection, the introduction of p16/Ki-67 dual staining has enhanced risk stratification, offering higher sensitivity and specificity for detecting high-grade lesions. These advancements are improving cervical cancer screening and patient outcomes.

2 August 2025 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ZNZlatina Ivanova Nikolova-Rancheva
Zlatina Ivanova Nikolova-Rancheva
MSMilena Sandeva
Milena Sandeva
EUEkaterina Uchikova Uchikova
Ekaterina Uchikova Uchikova
AKAngelina Georgieva Kirkova-Bogdanova
Angelina Georgieva Kirkova-Bogdanova
DTDaniela Taneva
Daniela Taneva
Lyubomira Bozhilova GeorgievaLyubomira Bozhilova Georgieva
Lyubomira Bozhilova Georgieva
Background/Objectives: Maternal overweight and obesity are critical factors increasing the risk of various pregnancy complications. Maternal obesity can lead to fetal macrosomia and a heightened risk of intrauterine death, with long-term implications for the child’s health. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of obesity and its impact on pregnancy outcomes in women who delivered by cesarean section at the University Hospital “St. George”, Plovdiv. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted. The documentary method was used for gathering data. Records were randomly selected. The statistical methods used included mean values, confidence intervals (of mean), frequency, and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for normality of distribution. Data comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney test. Mean values of numerical variables were compared using the independent samples t-test. Results: In total, 46.36% of women in this study were affected by obesity to varying degrees, and the proportion of women who were overweight at the end of their pregnancy was 37.85%. In the studied cohort, 15.99% of women were affected by hypertensive complications. This significant prevalence of obesity highlights concerns regarding body weight among women of reproductive age. This study emphasized a strong correlation between maternal obesity, particularly severe obesity, and the occurrence of preeclampsia. Conclusions: In this study among women who delivered by cesarean section, a significant proportion of them were affected by overweight and obesity. Data for our country are insufficient, and a more in-depth study of this problem is needed. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of maternal obesity on the health of the mother and the newborn.

11 April 2025 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NPNikoleta Parahuleva
Nikoleta Parahuleva
Anna MihaylovaAnna Mihaylova
Anna Mihaylova
SHStanislava Harizanova
Stanislava Harizanova
YMYana Teodorova Merdzhanova-Gargova
Yana Teodorova Merdzhanova-Gargova
MKMaria Koleva-Ivanova
Maria Koleva-Ivanova
EUEkaterina Uchikova Uchikova
Ekaterina Uchikova Uchikova
Background/Objectives: Among the therapeutic options available for managing PCOS, metformin improves insulin sensitivity, reduces androgen levels, and helps restore menstrual regularity and ovulation. While primarily used for its metabolic effects, metformin therapy may also influence reproductive parameters, including AMH levels, which are pivotal in improving ovarian function and predicting therapeutic outcomes in PCOS. The aim of this study was to search the scientific literature and analyze the correlation between AMH levels and metformin hydrochloride therapy in women with PCOS and IR. Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted using the following keywords: polycystic ovarian syndrome, anti-Mullerian hormone, insulin resistance, metformin, treatment, biomarker, and metabolic syndrome. This review was aimed at investigating the potential of AMH as a biomarker of the effectiveness of metformin therapy in patients with PCOS and IR. Results: Metformin treatment in PCOS patients has shown significant reductions in serum AMH levels with prolonged therapy. As an insulin sensitizer, metformin improves insulin sensitivity, reduces hyperinsulinemia, and suppresses hyperandrogenism. This process inhibits the growth of antral follicles, which is reflected in decreased AMH levels. Conclusions: Reductions in AMH levels and improvements in insulin sensitivity can serve as indicators of treatment efficacy and enhancements in reproductive function for these patients. AMH could be considered a prognostic marker for evaluating the effectiveness of metformin therapy. A decrease in AMH levels following treatment may indicate improved ovarian function and a reduction in polycystic morphology. However, further research is necessary to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosages and duration of treatment.

18 September 2021 in Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
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MKM. J. Kingsley-Godwin
M. J. Kingsley-Godwin
ATA. Tenev
A. Tenev
EUEkaterina Uchikova Uchikova
Ekaterina Uchikova Uchikova
KVK. Velkova
K. Velkova
VBV. Belovezhdov
V. Belovezhdov
MSMagdalena Stoeva
Magdalena Stoeva

16 July 2008 in Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
EUEkaterina Uchikova Uchikova
Ekaterina Uchikova Uchikova
BPBlagovest Pehlivanov
Blagovest Pehlivanov
Objective: To compare the effects of two monophasic oral contraceptives upon coagulation, fibrinolysis and the system of natural inhibitors (anticoagulant pathways) in Bulgarian women. Methods: This prospective, open clinical study lasted 12 months and included 70 women, divided into two equal groups of 35 each. The women from group A received a contraceptive containing 20 μg ethinylestradiol/75 μg gestodene. The women from group B received a contraceptive containing 30 μg ethinylestradio l/75 μg gestodene. At the beginning and again at the end of the study, the following values were determined: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastic time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (F), Factor VII (FVII), Factor X (FX), plasminogen, alpha 2-antiplasmin, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), D-dimers, protein C (Pr C), total Protein S (TPr S), antithrombin III (AT III) and heparin Cofactor II (HC II). Results: We did not find any statistically significant differences in the global tests of ...

6 June 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
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ZNZlatina Ivanova Nikolova-Rancheva
Zlatina Ivanova Nikolova-Rancheva
MSMilena Sandeva
Milena Sandeva
EUEkaterina Uchikova Uchikova
Ekaterina Uchikova Uchikova
AKAngelina Georgieva Kirkova-Bogdanova
Angelina Georgieva Kirkova-Bogdanova
DTDaniela Taneva
Daniela Taneva
Lyubomira Bozhilova GeorgievaLyubomira Bozhilova Georgieva
Lyubomira Bozhilova Georgieva
Background/Objectives: Maternal overweight and obesity are critical factors increasing the risk of various pregnancy complications. Maternal obesity can lead to fetal macrosomia and a heightened risk of intrauterine death, with long-term implications for the child’s health. The study aimed to analyse the incidence of obesity and its impact on pregnancy outcome in women delivered by caesarean section from 2021 to 2023 at the University Hospital "St. George", Plovdiv. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined the prevalence of obesity and its effects on pregnancy outcomes among 494 women undergoing caesarean sections between 2021 and 2023. The documentary method was used for gathering data. Inclusion criteria were applied. Data were statistically analysed with SPSS v.23. Results: A significant prevalence of obesity in the studied cohort was revealed, highlighting concerns regarding body weight among women of reproductive age. The presence of preeclampsia in these mothers was associated with increased risks to newborns, including prematurity and low birth weight. The study emphasized a strong correlation between maternal obesity, particularly severe obesity, and the occurrence of preeclampsia. Conclusions: There is a noticeable trend towards increasing rates of pregnancy complications associated with maternal obesity. A substantial proportion of women delivered by caesarean section is affected by obesity and overweight. This study indicated a clear trend towards a rise in the frequency of preterm births linked to preeclampsia, as well as an increased incidence of hypertensive disorders in women with elevated BMI. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of maternal obesity on health.