Candela Romano

Dr. Candela Romano

orcid

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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22 September 2025 in Medical Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Lautaro Manuel Floridia RietmannLautaro Manuel Floridia Rietmann
Lautaro Manuel Floridia Rietmann
Candela RomanoCandela Romano
Candela Romano
Salma Alejandra Beltran CovarrubiasSalma Alejandra Beltran Covarrubias
Salma Alejandra Beltran Covarrubias
JMJose Antonio Gomez Miranda
Jose Antonio Gomez Miranda
OCOmar Briceño Cardeña
Omar Briceño Cardeña
EMErnesto Calderon Martinez
Ernesto Calderon Martinez
Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) causes progressive motor dysfunction, with chorea as its hallmark symptom. Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT 2) inhibitors (tetrabenazine, deutetrabenazine, valbenazine) are established symptomatic therapies, while dopamine stabilizers (pridopidine, ordopidine) are emerging therapies, but their net benefit and safety remain uncertain. Methods: Seven databases were searched through May 2025 following PRISMA guidelines. Random effects meta-analyses calculated mean differences (MDs) for the Unified Huntington Disease Rating Scale total motor score (UHDRS TMS) and total maximal chorea score (TMC), plus risk ratios (RRs) for adverse events (AEs). Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) applied a Lan DeMets O’Brien Fleming α spending function with 80% power. Results: Seven randomized trials (1431 participants) met inclusion criteria. VMAT 2 inhibitors significantly improved motor outcomes versus placebo (UHDRS TMS: MD −3.80, 95% CI −5.76 to −1.83; TMC: MD −3.05, 95% CI −3.84 to −2.26; both I2 = 0%). Dopamine stabilizers produced no meaningful change (UHDRS TMS: MD −0.98, 95% CI −2.48 to 0.51; I2 = 32%). Neither class increased total AEs (VMAT 2: RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.48; dopamine stabilizers: RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.20; both I2 = 0%). TSA confirmed robust evidence for VMAT 2 benefits on TMC but indicated additional data are required to verify dopamine stabilizer effects on UHDRS TMS. Trial sequential analysis confirmed the reliability of VMAT2 for TMC; however, the sample size was insufficient to draw conclusions about the effects of dopamine stabilizers on UHDRS TMS or their safety outcomes, indicating that additional data are needed. Conclusions: VMAT-2 inhibitors may suggest potential improvements in motor symptoms in Huntington’s disease, while current evidence does not demonstrate a significant benefit of dopamine stabilizers. The safety profiles of both treatments appear generally comparable to placebo. Further rigorous and long-term studies are required to better establish their efficacy and safety.

12 April 2025 in Molecular Genetics and Metabolism Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Candela RomanoCandela Romano
Candela Romano
JWJoel Wells
Joel Wells
NSNicholas Stanzione
Nicholas Stanzione
VKVirginia Kimonis
Virginia Kimonis
Fabry disease is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the GLA gene, which encodes for the α–galactosidase A enzyme responsible for degrading globotriaosylceramide. Its deficiency leads to the accumulation of GL3 in lysosomes, resulting in progressive multi-organ involvement, with predilection for the heart and kidneys.

28 February 2026 in Pediatric Nephrology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Candela RomanoCandela Romano
Candela Romano
LALisyareli Salazar Arriaga
Lisyareli Salazar Arriaga
LVLinda Estefania Cordero Velez
Linda Estefania Cordero Velez
ADAlexandra Melendez Delgado
Alexandra Melendez Delgado
TDTatiana Alexandra Moreno Díaz
Tatiana Alexandra Moreno Díaz
EMErnesto Calderon Martinez
Ernesto Calderon Martinez
Background: Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of therapy for steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS), yet the optimal dosing strategy, single daily versus divided doses, remains uncertain. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies comparing once-daily and divided-dose prednisolone in children with SSNS. Three randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized study were included, enrolling a total of 288 patients. Primary outcomes were time to remission and relapse frequency; secondary outcomes included hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis suppression and adverse events. Results: Overall, remission rates were comparable between single and divided dosing. In relapse settings, one trial showed faster remission with split dosing (by 1–2 days), though without differences in relapse frequency or safety. In first-episode disease, single daily dosing was associated with less HPA axis suppression and a longer time to first relapse. Adverse event profiles were similar across regimens. Conclusions: Single-dose and split-dose prednisolone regimens demonstrate comparable remission efficacy in children with SSNS. Divided dosing may shorten remission by 1–2 days during relapse episodes, but this small benefit must be weighed against the greater HPA-axis suppression observed with multi-dose schedules. Given the heterogeneity and small sample sizes of available trials, the current evidence remains insufficient to establish superiority. Larger multicenter RCTs with standardized protocols and longer follow-up are needed to provide more definitive guidance. Graphical A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information

20 March 2026 in Annals of Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
CCCamila Sanchez Cruz
Camila Sanchez Cruz
ABAngelo Magallanes Bajana
Angelo Magallanes Bajana
WAWilliam Matheus de Araujo
William Matheus de Araujo
CRChristopher Romero Ríos
Christopher Romero Ríos
MKMalaz El Zubair Mohamed Khalil
Malaz El Zubair Mohamed Khalil
Candela RomanoCandela Romano
Candela Romano
Keloids are pathological scars causing pain, pruritus, and emotional distress. While common treatments exist, emerging options such as insulin and botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) are underrepresented in comparative analyses. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of various intralesional therapies for keloid scars. A PRISMA-guided search across seven databases was conducted on July 2025 and preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD420251088758). Included studies were randomized, non-randomized, and crossover trials of intralesional therapies. Pairwise and NMA were conducted for efficacy (keloid size/volume reduction), recurrence, and safety (adverse effects). Treatment rankings were based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) scores. Statistical significance was set at (p < 0.05). From 51 studies (3234 participants, 23 interventions), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) + corticoids significantly improved keloid reduction compared to corticoids alone (RR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.31-1.92; p < 0.01), with 5-FU + corticoids + YAG:Laser (RR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.36-5.48; p < 0.01) showing an even greater effect. SUCRA values indicated that 5-FU + corticoids + YAG:Laser (0.95), vitamin D + platelet rich plasma (0.83), and 5-FU + corticoids (0.78) had the highest probability of effectiveness. For recurrence, no significant differences were found across interventions, suggesting insufficient evidence. Regarding adverse effects, a significant risk reduction was found for BTX-A (RR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.09-0.95; p = 0.04) and Verapamil (RR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.14-0.84; p = 0.01) compared to corticoids; others showed no significant effects. This NMA provides a comparative overview, indicating that combination therapies, most notably 5-FU + corticoids + YAG:Laser, offer the greatest benefit. While data for novel agents (insulin and BTX-A) suggest potential, further research with standardized methodologies and longer-term follow-up is crucial to define optimal treatment algorithms.