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Biomedical subjects

D Castello

Publications and source records attributed to D Castello.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

[Respiratory physio-kinesitherapy in cystic fibrosis: the parents' viewpoint].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the problems found in performing chest physiotherapy (PKT) by patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and by their families. The research has been based upon processing 389 questionnaires (46 items) that were compiled by the families. Thirteen CF centers all over the nation have participated in this study. Patients' mean age was 7.4 years (range 2 months to 14 years). Data about the socio-economic status and illness severity were available for every patient. Many graphs (line connects points with a line = n. 8; bar charts = n. 17; pie charts = n. 13) show the results and their statistical processing. Our purpose was to solve the following problems: 1) What is the extent of the compliance? 2) Who perform, or should perform, PKT in the family environment? 3) What is the kind and extent of the help request? 4) What are the mistakes made in executing PKT? 5) What is the usefulness of precursors and aerosol therapy? 6) What is the link between physical activity and PKT? 7) What are the main difficulties in performing PKT? 8) How effective is PKT? 9) What is the extent of the parents' faith in their capabilities? 10) Are there any prejudices against PKT? Three major findings emerge from this study: 1) the compliance appeared good; 2) the average family understood the meaning of PKT correctly and 3) PKT is usually executed properly. As for negative results are concerned, it is to be noted that the burden of performing PKT is usually up to the mother. This finding is linked both to the socio-economics status of the family and to the severity of the illness. On the other hand, a home PKT service is only asked in very extreme situations such as sudden worsening of the patient's illness. The difficulties met in performing PKT range from the patient's refusal to logistical and organization problems, which are correlated with the socio-economic status of the family. The relationship between PKT and sport is understood well and there is a high percentage of patients doing regular physical activity, even if it is often hindered by the severity of the disease. In conclusion, although there are many problems, there are also many methods to use in order to improve the acceptance and the effectiveness of the PKT.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Duration of oral procaterol protection from methacholine-induced bronchial obstruction.

The duration of action of procaterol, a beta-2-adrenoceptor agonist with an entirely new chemical structure, was assessed, in comparison to that of salbutamol, by inhalation of 43 inhalation units of methacholine at time intervals of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 hours after intake of the drugs. Procaterol and salbutamol were given in a double-blind random fashion, on different days, to 12 asthmatic children; pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1, MEF50, MEF25), skeletal muscle tremor, and vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure) were measured. Although there was no statistical significant difference between procaterol and salbutamol, protection of large and medium airways lasted for about five hours, while normal small airway patency was still present at seven hours. It is concluded that procaterol can be a good alternative beta-2-adrenoceptor agonist when the oral route is needed.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1986

Prophylactic treatment of childhood asthma.

The prophylaxis of childhood asthma is discussed under the headings of prevention by the pregnant mother in avoiding hypersensitizing foods and the adherence to breast feeding, immunotherapy of the child and chemoprophylaxis by sodium cromoglycate or ketotifen fumarate. The results of a multicentre study of the latter drug are described. Ketotifen caused a reduction of symptoms and acute asthmatic episodes, and has the advantage of a twice daily oral dosage.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Current problems of tuberculosis during the developmental age].

Surely the tuberculosis manifestation now prevailing in pediatric subjects is minimal disease, according to several papers. Also in this field, tuberculin test is very important, mostly when we can observe its positive change, in spite of BCG vaccinated subjects. Then Author examines the so-called "latent" tuberculosis, in which only a lateral projection radiograph or a tomography can show radiological pictures of hilar adenopathy or of minimal parenchymal involvement in lower pulmonary fields. Author considers the dosages of antitubercular drugs in children and at last he invites all sanitary operators to carefully survey the subjects working in nurseries.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1984

Serum group I pepsinogens level in cystic fibrosis.

Fasting serum pepsinogen 1 level was determined by radioimmunoassay in 30 patients with cystic fibrosis and in on equal number of age-matched healthy children. Serum pepsinogen 1 basal levels were significantly higher (49 +/- 18 ng/ml; p less than 0.01) in cystic fibrosis patients than in controls (38 +/- 12 ng/ml). The increased pepsinogen 1 level did not correlate with the levels of Po2 and Pco2 tensions, fat balance or basal and maximum acid outputs. It is concluded that the mechanisms which lead to a rise of serum pepsinogen 1 in cystic fibrosis are unknown. However these findings could provide useful information with regard to the biology of a disease whose physiopathology is still unknown.

Adolescent↗