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Biomedical subjects

C Priora

Publications and source records attributed to C Priora.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction in growth hormone-deficient patients with pituitary abnormalities.

Hypothalamic-pituitary function was studied in 45 patients with idiopathic GH deficiency (GHD), 33 of whom had pituitary abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging: pituitary hypoplasia, undescended stalk and ectopia of the posterior lobe in 8 patients with isolated GHD (IGHD) (group I) and in 12 patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) (group II); isolated pituitary hypoplasia in 13 patients with IGHD (group III); no evidence of pituitary abnormalities in the remaining 12 patients with IGHD (group IV). Sellar and pituitary volumes were significantly lower in groups I, II, and III than in group IV (P less than 0.001). No significant differences were observed between group I and group II in the GH response to GHRH1-44 expressed both as peak serum GH and area under the curve. Mean GH peak in group III and IV was significantly higher than that in group I (P less than 0.005) and II (P less than 0.001), as were the mean AUC (P less than 0.005), suggesting hypothalamic defect. Delayed peak serum TSH after TRH was found in all patients of group II, and overt hypothyroidism in 11 of them. Furthermore, basal hyperprolactinemia was present in 6 patients and adrenal insufficiency in 7 cases of group II. Finally, a reduced response of FSH to GnRH was observed in all these patients (P less than 0.005 vs. each of the other groups), and clinical hypogonadism was present in all of them. We suggest that: 1) A high incidence of pituitary abnormalities seems to be present in idiopathic GHD patients; 2) Pituitary hormone deficiencies are more dependent on the type of the hypothalamic-pituitary abnormality than on the size of the pituitary per se: the association of pituitary hypoplasia, undescended stalk and ectopia of the posterior lobe should possibly be considered a distinct entity reflecting an early abnormality in hypothalamic development; 3) The majority of patients with IGHD or MPHD probably have a primary hypothalamic releasing hormone deficiency even if pituitary hypoplasia is associated; 4) Magnetic resonance imaging may have a role in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with GHD through differentiation between patients who are at risk for developing MPHD vs. those who are candidates for having a persistently isolated GHD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Cancer of the esophagus in the elderly].

After a review of the literature a study was conducted into oesophageal cancers among elderly patients in Pavia University's Institute of Surgical Pathology in 1974-1985. The results led to the following conclusions: this disease occurs most often among the elderly especially those in their sixties; symptoms (dysphagia, weight loss, regurgitation with epigastric and retrosternal pain are initially unclear which makes early diagnosis difficult; most cases require surgery. It is concluded that the appropriate tests should be performed at the first warning signs and that, once the condition is diagnosed, the elderly patient should be prepared for surgery which should be as radical as possible.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1989

[Non-neoplastic pathology of the pancreas in the elderly].

After examining the literature on the subject, all patients of the IIIrd age suffering from non-neoplastic pathology of the pancreas are considered. The results show that this pathology contains more acute pancreatitis and fewer chronic pancreatitis (at times a consequence of the acute) cases. Pancreatic cyst was also noted. The age most affected by this pathology is the 6th decade and the average age encountered in the series was 60, as is also stated by Camatte and Sarles. It is concluded that the above-mentioned conditions that affect the 6th decade and specially the 60th year of life may be held to involve the IIIrd age.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1989

[Pathology of the bile ducts in the elderly].

After examining the literature on the subject, all admissions to the Pavia University Department of Surgical Pathology from 1-1-1974 to 31-12-1985 belonging to the IIIrd age and suffering from non-neoplastic and neoplastic bile way pathology have been reviewed. The two groups were studied on the basis of their histories and laboratory examinations, the outcome of the operation and its complications. It was found that in patients affected by non-neoplastic pathology (lithiasis of the bile ways, alithiasic cholecystitis, etc.) the operation of choice was well tolerated, unlike emergency surgery which in most cases was dangerous. In the IInd group, on the other hand, general condition is very important because on this depends whether or not resective or derivative intervention is carried out. It should be noted here that in all IIIrd age patients associated diseases have to be studied closely for these can contribute to death. It is concluded that in the Ist group of patients, operation can take place in optimal general and local conditions so that the operation can be of choice and not emergency. In the IInd group, as soon as the general condition of the patient so permits, the operation must be as extensive as possible, as age is not an impediment to surgery.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1989

[Peptic ulcer in the elderly].

The Authors, after having reviewed all the literature on this topic, have studied all patients over 60 which were admitted with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease at the Institute of Surgical Pathology of the University of Pavia from January 1, 1974 until December 31, 1985. They noted, from their results, that this disease shows a predilection for adults, but is also frequently found in the elderly. In fact, in the latter, during this period of life, the complications which are most frequently observed (especially gastric) are hemorrhage and perforation; according to the Authors the former is due to arteriosclerosis which hinders vascular contraction, while the latter to a reduction of blood flow due to endarteritis, which causes necrosis of the ulcer's base, creating therefore a "locus minoris resistentiae". The Authors conclude that in the elderly, when drug therapy is inefficient, a surgical approach is necessary. In fact, with a well followed pre-operative care program the outcome of surgery is usually satisfactory and complications (mentioned above), which would render surgery and the post-operative period difficult, are prevented.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effects of chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy on the immune system].

Humoral and cellular immunologic parameters were evaluated in 13 prepuberal cryptorchid boys before, during and 3 months after hCG therapy. Before treatment, all the immunologic parameters were normal except for a higher percentage of T suppressor-cytotoxic cells (CD8+). During therapy, the percentage of CD8+ cells and lymphocyte response to ConA significantly decreased, and returned to the control level after hCG withdrawal. The possible effects of long-term hCG treatment on the immune system remains to be determined.

Child↗