Ioana Filimon

Ms. Ioana Filimon


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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13 March 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MSMihaela Nicoleta Sparchez
Mihaela Nicoleta Sparchez
IFIoana Filimon
Ioana Filimon
MCMirela Crișan
Mirela Crișan
LMLidia Man
Lidia Man
SŞSimona C. Şenilǎ
Simona C. Şenilǎ
A(Andreea-Liana Boț (Răchișan)
Andreea-Liana Boț (Răchișan)
Background/Objectives: Childhood-onset Sjögren disease (cSjD) is a rare autoimmune disorder with heterogeneous manifestations and ongoing diagnostic challenges, as there are no validated paediatric criteria. Our study aims to characterise the clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of children diagnosed with cSjD at a single Romanian paediatric rheumatology centre between 2015 and 2025 and contextualise these findings within the most recent literature. Methods: A retrospective review of 15 consecutive cSjD patients was conducted, including clinical features, autoantibodies, imaging, biopsy findings, treatment, and outcomes. Results: Our cohort showed a significant female predominance (80%) and a broad age range at disease onset (3–15 years). Extraglandular manifestations were more common at presentation than glandular phenotypes (53.3% vs. 40%). Lupus-like extraglandular presentations frequently led to initial misdiagnosis as childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in our cohort. Sicca symptoms were present at diagnosis in only 3 of 15 patients (20%) and developed later during follow-up in an additional 4 patients (26.7%). Notably, the cohort included novel findings, such as an unprecedented presentation with acute exudative pericarditis complicated by cardiac tamponade. Anti-SSA antibodies and salivary gland ultrasound abnormalities were highly prevalent (86.7% and 100%, respectively). Anti-SSB antibodies were detected in seven patients (46.7%), with titres showing more variability than those of anti-SSA, ranging from just above the positivity threshold to mildly elevated levels. The association with macro-creatine kinase type I was another distinctive feature of this series. Chronic musculoskeletal pain and dryness were our patients’ most frequently reported symptoms at the last assessment, affecting up to 5/15 (33.3%) in each domain. One patient showed irreversible ocular damage during our study. Conclusions: Extraglandular presentations of cSjD are highly heterogeneous and diagnostically challenging, often occurring without glandular symptoms. Lupus-like systemic features—including facial vasculitic purpura, with or without arthralgia, and occasional pericarditis, as observed in our cohort—may contribute to frequent initial diagnostic misattribution to SLE. Early salivary gland ultrasonography, targeted autoantibody testing, and selective biopsy are essential for timely diagnosis, underscoring the urgent need for paediatric-specific validated classification criteria.

8 April 2026 in Pediatric Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RSRaisa-Maria Sucaciu
Raisa-Maria Sucaciu
AGAlina Grama
Alina Grama
AMAlexandra Mititelu
Alexandra Mititelu
BMBianca Raluca Maris
Bianca Raluca Maris
IFIoana Filimon
Ioana Filimon
Tudor Lucian PopTudor Lucian Pop
Tudor Lucian Pop
Background. Autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC) is a rare clinical entity characterized by overlapping features of autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. It predominantly affects pediatric patients. Therapeutic management is often complex, requiring a multidisciplinary and individualized approach, especially in the context of associated autoimmune diseases. Case presentation. We present the case of a female patient diagnosed at the age of 10 with ASC, for which immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone, azathioprine (AZA), and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was initiated, with an initially favorable course. One year later, following a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the patient experienced reactivation of liver disease and subsequently developed ulcerative pancolitis (UC), for which 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) therapy was initiated. Due to repeated hepatic flares and/or colitis relapses, therapy was escalated successively to mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and eventually infliximab (IFX). Despite treatment, the liver disease progressed, culminating in liver cirrhosis. Our patient developed portal hypertension and esophageal varices, with two episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding requiring endoscopic band ligation. At the age of 14, the patient developed recurrent episodes of non-infectious ulcerative stomatitis. Biopsy of the lesions revealed non-specific chronic inflammation, unrelated to colitis activity (confirmed microscopic remission of UC). By exclusion, an adverse drug reaction was suspected, with AZA being the most likely cause. Following its discontinuation, the lesions resolved. Beyond the physiological and therapeutic aspects, the patient displays marked emotional fragility due to prolonged and repeated hospitalizations (18 out of 60 months), which have impacted treatment adherence. Conclusions. This case highlights the complexity of managing pediatric patients with multiple autoimmune diseases. The necessary combination of immunosuppressive therapies may lead to significant adverse effects and further complicate disease progression. Moreover, psychological components play a crucial role in treatment compliance and therapeutic success, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach that includes specialized psychological support.