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Biomedical subjects

E Marangio

Publications and source records attributed to E Marangio.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Eosinophils in induced sputum from asymptomatic smokers with normal lung function.

Cigarette smoking is the dominant risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, only 10-15% of smokers develop the disease and early changes within the airways are poorly defined. We aimed to compare cell profiles in induced sputum (IS) from asymptomatic smokers to that from healthy subjects, and to ascertain whether or not inflammatory cells in IS are related to lung function and smoking habit. We recruited 34 heavy, non-allergic asymptomatic smokers with normal lung function and 15 healthy volunteers, who performed lung function tests and IS by hypertonic saline (3%) solution. In smokers, significantcorrelation between pack-years and FEF25-75 (rs = -0.43, P < 0.02) was found. In IS, smokers had higher counts of macrophages (P < 0.01) and eosinophils (P < 0.02), when compared to those of healthy subjects. Additionally, eosinophils were found in IS of 14 out of 34 smokers, with eosinophils had a higher pack-years (31 +/- 25 vs. 13 +/- 10, P = 0.02) and lower FEF 25-75% value (78% +/- 34 vs. 100% +/- 23. P < 0.04). when compared to smokers without eosinophils. Additionally, on the basis of regression equations by stepwise multiple regression analysis, eosinophils were predicted by pack-years (r2 = 0.41). Our results showed that asymptomatic smokers have evidence of inflammatory cells in IS samples. In addition, we found thatthe degree of eosinophilic inflammation is related to early changes of lung function and can be predicted by smoking habit.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Relationship between outcome measures of six-minute walk test and baseline lung function in patients with interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: In patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), the six-minute walk test (6MWT) has been rarely used, and up till now, the relationship between outcome measures of the test and baseline lung function has not yet been examined. Therefore, we assessed walk distance, oxygen desaturation, and breathlessness perception during 6MWT, and their relationships to baseline lung function in patients with ILD. METHODS: Forty ILD patients with history of breathlessness during physical exertion performed a 6MWT following a standard protocol. Breathlessness perception during walk was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS, in mm). RESULTS: The mean walk distance was 487 meters (range 271-689). Mean baseline oxygen saturation (Base SpO2, %) was 94% and was reduced during walk, either as mean oxygen saturation (Mean SpO2, 89%, p < 0.001) or as mean fall in oxygen saturation during walk (Fall SpO2, 5%). Furthermore, VAS significantly increased after walk (5 mm to 44 mm, p < 0.001). A close relationship of TLco and TLC to walk distance and Fall SpO2 was found (r = 0.45 and 0.42 and r = -0.75 and -0.64, respectively; p < 0.001, each). On the basis of regression equations by stepwise multiple regression analysis, walk distance was predicted by age and FVC (r2 = 0.50), Mean SpO2 by TLco and Base SpO2 (r2 = 0.80), and Fall SpO2 only by TLco (r2 = 0.57). Breathlessness perception was not reliably predicted by any assessed variables. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that 6MWT provides a global evaluation of sub-maximal exercise capacity in ILD patients. We also found that walk distance and oxygen desaturation, but not breathlessness perception during walk, are strictly related to baseline lung function.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Role of bromhexine in exacerbations of bronchiectasis. Double-blind randomized multicenter study versus placebo.

The effectiveness of bromhexine in the treatment of patients with bronchiectasis, in a stage of clinical exacerbation, was assessed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 88 in-patients. Bronchiectasis was diagnosed by bronchography and/or CT scan. Bromhexine or matched placebo was administered as 30-mg capsules three times daily per os. Ceftazidine, 1 g i.m., was given to all patients once a day for the first week only. Bromhexine seemed to improve the clinical picture, with significantly positive trends for expectoration, quantity of sputum and auscultatory findings. It also increased the FEV1 and was well-tolerated. Both patients and investigators judged it efficacious.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Bronchoalveolar lavage in chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. Analysis of six cases in comparison with other interstitial lung diseases.

We describe 6 patients with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) investigated clinically and by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The BAL findings of these 6 patients were compared with those of 293 patients with other interstitial lung diseases (ILD): 184 with sarcoidosis, 63 with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, 46 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In patients with CEP, BAL analysis was characterized by a markedly increased number of eosinophils (mean +/- 1 SD: 54.2 +/- 26.4 of effector cells; in control subjects, eosinophils were less than 1% of effector cells). In patients with other ILD, BAL fluid analysis showed a significant increase in the percentage of eosinophils only in the group of IPF, but in IPF the increased number of eosinophils is linked with a significant increase in the percentage of neutrophils. These findings indicate that besides the classic patterns of lymphocytosis or polymorphonuclear leukocytosis, a predominantly eosinophilic pattern may also be present in the BAL fluid. Moreover, BAL may contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of lung tissue damage in CEP.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Clinical physiological data on the bronchodilator effect of Duovent versus salbutamol in chronic obstructive lung disease.

We studied the bronchodilator effect of a combination of fenoterol (100 micrograms) and ipratropium bromide (40 micrograms) (Duovent) versus salbutamol and placebo in 16 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD). FEV1 and the side-effects (palpitations, tremors, excitation) were measured at 0, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360 and 420 min after administration. The drugs were administered in aerosol form following a randomization schedule. The bronchodilator effect of Duovent was greater than that of salbutamol; moreover, Duovent had a lasting efficacy and few side-effects. Duovent is thus a useful drug therapeutically.

Albuterol↗
PubMed1978

[Smoking and the cardiovascular system].

In this brief review the results of the most important studies about smoking and cardiovascular diseases are referred. Epidemiological, pathological, and clinical data show an higher mortality from coronary heart diseases in smokers, and an higher frequency of atherosclerothic lesions, affecting all types of sistemic vessels. By an analysis of the tobacco smoke composition, some of the effects and acting mechanism of nicotine and Carbone Monoxideon the cardiocirculatory system are treated. It is remarkable that cigarette smoke is only a "risk factor" and overall together other conditions as hypertension or dyslipidamia.

Aged↗
PubMed1978

[Morphofunctional aspects of the pulmonary circulation in kyphoscoliosis; angiocardiopneumographic, scintigraphic and hemodynamic characteristics].

In a group of 30 patients suffering from kypphoscoliosis of different degrew was effected a series of researchs (investigations to value the morphological functional behaviour of the pulmonary circle. The used ways were: angiopneumography, pulmonary perfusional scintigraphy, cardiac catheterisation and radiocardiography. The achieved results allowed to single out interesting aspects both of pulmonary vascular bed compromission and of some haemodynamic parameters. These alterations show different degrees according to seriousness of the deformation and the presence or not of broncopneumonia complications in these patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

[Lung blood perfusion changes following tubercular processes cured by antibiotic drug therapy].

This is a studym ade by pulmonary perfusional scintigraphy and angiopneumography on 60 patients suffering from tuberculosis of the lung; they were cured by chemoantibiotic treatment. They were recent tubercular diseases with limited extension (nodular infiltrations, former phthisiogenic lobitises, nodular and miliarich disseminations), so their outcomes were extremely modest or not worthy on radiologic plane. The results acquired with these methods firmly showed a larger ematoperfusive injury as to the affected area.

Adult↗