Flavia Quaranta Leoni

Dr. Flavia Quaranta Leoni


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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6 August 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NCNicolò Ciarmatori
Nicolò Ciarmatori
FLFlavia Quaranta Leoni
Flavia Quaranta Leoni
FLFrancesco Quaranta Leoni
Francesco Quaranta Leoni
Background: Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a rare autoimmune orbital disorder predominantly associated with Graves’ disease. It is characterized by orbital inflammation, tissue remodeling, and potential visual morbidity. Conventional therapies, particularly systemic glucocorticoids, offer only partial symptomatic relief, failing to reverse chronic structural changes such as proptosis and diplopia, and are associated with substantial adverse effects. This review aims to synthesize recent developments in understandings of TED pathogenesis and to critically evaluate emerging therapeutic strategies. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and international clinical trial registries focusing on pivotal clinical trials and investigational therapies targeting core molecular pathways involved in TED. Results: Current evidence suggests that TED pathogenesis is primarily driven by the autoimmune activation of orbital fibroblasts (OFs) through thyrotropin receptor (TSH-R) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling. Teprotumumab, a monoclonal IGF-1R inhibitor and the first therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for TED, has demonstrated substantial clinical benefit, including improvements in proptosis, diplopia, and quality of life. However, concerns remain regarding relapse rates and treatment-associated adverse events, particularly hearing impairment. Investigational therapies, including next-generation IGF-1R inhibitors, small-molecule antagonists, TSH-R inhibitors, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blockers, cytokine-targeting agents, and gene-based interventions, are under development. These novel approaches aim to address both inflammatory and fibrotic components of TED. Conclusions: Teprotumumab has changed TED management but sustained control and toxicity reduction remain challenges. Future therapies should focus on targeted, mechanism-based, personalized approaches to improve long-term outcomes and patient quality of life.

27 April 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FAFrancesco Aiello
Francesco Aiello
FLFlavia Quaranta Leoni
Flavia Quaranta Leoni
LMLuigi Mosca
Luigi Mosca
RCRossella Anna Maria Colabelli-Gisoldi
Rossella Anna Maria Colabelli-Gisoldi
VMVincenzo Maurino
Vincenzo Maurino
CNCarlo Nucci
Carlo Nucci
Eyelid anomalies represent a relevant cause of corneal injury, including epithelial instability and recurrent erosions up to progressive stromal thinning, corneal melt, and, in severe cases, perforation leading to permanent visual impairment. Correction of eyelid dysfunction is the first step in managing these lesions. However, corneal damage may persist or progress despite adequate eyelid treatment. Therefore, a corneal surgical approach is necessary to preserve ocular surface integrity and visual function. This review synthesizes literature published between 2008 and 2025 on corneal complications secondary to eyelid anomalies and postoperative eyelid procedures. We analyzed the mechanisms of eyelid-induced corneal injury, indications for surgical treatment, and corneal surgical strategies, from surface-stabilizing techniques to tectonic interventions. Entropion and ectropion are the most common eyelid abnormalities associated with mechanical trauma and exposure-related corneal disease. Although definitive eyelid correction is necessary for corneal recovery, persistent epithelial defects, stromal thinning, corneal melt, and perforation frequently require corneal surgical management. Surface-stabilizing procedures, such as amniotic membrane transplantation, are effective in early disease stages, whereas progressive stromal defects necessitate tectonic approaches such as lamellar patch grafting or therapeutic keratoplasty. Interventions aimed at visual rehabilitation should be postponed until sustained ocular surface stability has been achieved. Effective management of eyelid-related corneal damage requires both eyelid surgical correction and corneal management. Close collaboration between corneal and oculoplastic surgeons helps achieving good anatomical outcomes and long-term ocular surface stability.

15 April 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AMAlessio Martucci
Alessio Martucci
FLFlavia Quaranta Leoni
Flavia Quaranta Leoni
NVNoemi Valentini
Noemi Valentini
RSRoberto Pietro Sorge
Roberto Pietro Sorge
RMRaffaele Mancino
Raffaele Mancino
CNCarlo Nucci
Carlo Nucci
Background: To evaluate the effects of a preservative-free artificial tear formulation containing trehalose, sodium hyaluronate, and N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAGA) on ocular surface parameters and quality of life in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) treated with preserved versus preservative-free prostaglandin analogues. Methods: For this prospective, observational clinical study, thirty-eight patients (76 eyes) with POAG receiving stable topical prostaglandin therapy were enrolled and divided into two groups: preserved prostaglandins (Group 1, n = 44) and preservative-free prostaglandins (Group 2, n = 32). All patients received adjunctive preservative-free artificial tears (trehalose, sodium hyaluronate, NAAGA) three times daily for one month. Assessments at baseline (T0) and 1 month (T1) included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), contrast sensitivity, Schirmer test, tear break-up time (BUT), Efron grading scale, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), visual field (VF) indices (Mean Deviation (MD), Pattern Standard Deviation (PSD), Visual Field Index (VFI)), and quality of life (QoL) measured using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS). Results: After 1 month, both groups demonstrated significant improvement in ocular surface parameters. Schirmer test increased by approximately 4–5 mm (p = 0.001 in both groups), and BUT improved by 5 s (p = 0.001 in both groups). OSDI scores significantly decreased (Group 1: –18.5; Group 2: –23; p = 0.001 for both), and Efron grading significantly improved (p = 0.001 in both groups). Artificial tears-related QoL markedly increased in both groups (p = 0.001), while pathology-related QoL remained unchanged. IOP showed a modest but significant reduction in both groups (Group 1 p = 0.011; Group 2 p = 0.003), without intergroup differences. VFI significantly improved in both groups from T0 to T1 (Group 1 p = 0.013; Group 2 p = 0.04). Group 1 also showed an improvement in terms of PSD (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Adjunctive treatment with preservative-free artificial tears containing trehalose, sodium hyaluronate, and NAAGA significantly improved tear film stability VF indexes, ocular surface signs and symptoms, and patient-reported QoL in POAG patients treated with prostaglandins, regardless of preservative status. Routine ocular surface optimization should be considered an integral component of comprehensive glaucoma management.