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Biomedical subjects

F Bove

Publications and source records attributed to F Bove.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

[Cancer risk in breast lesions: diagnostic and therapeutic strategy].

BACKGROUND: The classification, diagnostic recognition and surgical treatment of breast lesions at risk of neoplastic transformation represent some of the most important objectives in breast research. Attention has been focused on lesions at risk of neoplastic transformation in breast pathology, such as: atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), multiple intraductal papilloma and sclerosing adenosis. METHODS: Our experience regards activity carried out from 1996 to 2001; the diagnostic approach included routine performance of echotomographic examination, mammography screening indicated in women >40 and, in selected cases, in women <40; FNAB was carried out in all lesions containing suspicious cells. In the case of non-palpable lesions we carried out a CT-guided FNAB using the stereotaxic technique. In cases of secreting breast, galactography proved useful. As regard clinically suspect nipple secretions, cytology was useful in the diagnosis of intraductal papillomatous lesions. Surgery was indicated for: mammographically negative nodular lesions with cytological finding of suspect lesions. Continuous, spontaneous mono-orificial, serous, sero-hematic or hematic secretion of the nipple also in the presence of negative and/or inconclusive galactographic and cytological findings. From a nosological viewpoint we have distinguished 3 groups: A) 49 women (average age 47.3 years) with suspect lesions subjected to biopsy. On the basis of the cytological response we carried out: 37 quadrantectomies with extemporary examination, 4 excisional biopsies, 5 radical ductectomies and 3 microductectomies. B) 26 patients (36.7 years) subjected to mammary biopsy for non-suspect lesions; in 24 cases excisional biopsy of the lesion and in 2 cases radical ductectomy. C) Control group consisting of 141 women (average age 44.5 years) suffering from benign pathology not suspected of lesions at risk and not subjected to surgery. RESULTS: The final histological examination evidenced: Group A: 7 cases of T1aN0M0 carcinoma (14.3%); 20 lesions at risk (40.8%); 22 lesions not at risk; Group B: 25 (96.1%) lesions not considered at risk, in 1 case (3.9%) area of sclerosing adenosis with ductal proliferation and slight atypias; Group C: in 4 cases (3.1%) the onset at follow-up of lesions at risk made it necessary to remove the lesion. Histology did not confirm the presence of cancer in any case. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic and therapeutic protocol proposed enables us to identify and radically treat high risk patients (Group A) and follow them up closely. On the contrary, Group B evidenced a very low incidence of lesions at risk which escaped preoperative diagnosis and in confirmation of this in Group C, during follow-up, the onset of only 4 lesions at risk was identified in which histological examination however excluded the presence of cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Prevalence of autism in a United States population: the Brick Township, New Jersey, investigation.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the prevalence of autism for a defined community, Brick Township, New Jersey, using current diagnostic and epidemiologic methods. METHODS: The target population was children who were 3 to 10 years of age in 1998, who were residents of Brick Township at any point during that year, and who had an autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder was defined as autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger disorder. The study used 4 sources for active case finding: special education records, records from local clinicians providing diagnosis or treatment for developmental or behavioral disabilities, lists of children from community parent groups, and families who volunteered for participation in the study in response to media attention. The autism diagnosis was verified (or ruled out) for 71% of the children through clinical assessment. The assessment included medical and developmental history, physical and neurologic evaluation, assessment of intellectual and behavioral functioning, and administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic. RESULTS: The prevalence of all autism spectrum disorders combined was 6.7 cases per 1000 children. The prevalence for children whose condition met full diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder was 4.0 cases per 1000 children, and the prevalence for PDD-NOS and Asperger disorder was 2.7 cases per 1000 children. Characteristics of children with autism in this study were similar to those in previous studies of autism. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of autism in Brick Township seems to be higher than that in other studies, particularly studies conducted in the United States, but within the range of a few recent studies in smaller populations that used more thorough case-finding methods.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1999

[Measures for biomechanically correct positioning of knee joint endoprostheses].

Normal post-operative function, permanent stable fixation and long life for the implant material are determined mainly by the correct biomechanical positioning of the knee joint prosthesis. We have identified six measures within the surgical procedure that are of vital importance for achieving biomechanically correct positioning. Because of their great importance, we call these measures "The Golden Six", and describe their application using the ESKA Resurfacing Knee System (RKS). This system, which is so designed that it enables a maximal bone saving resection technique, makes use of a diagonal screw-fixation of the endoprosthetic elements, resulting in increased primary stability. For the safe and reliable implementation of our measures, we have developed a special set of instruments. Anatomical, kinematic and surgical studies have shown that with the aid of the above-mentioned six measures biomechanically correct positioning of all the implanted elements can be achieved, thus ensuring trouble-free post-operative function of the knee joint and the least possible mechanical stressing of the implanted materials.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee↗
PubMed1997

[Total hip replacement in presence of acetabular dysplasia type II according to the AAOS classification.].

GOAL OF SURGERY: Incorporation of the acetabular cup in ideal position in patients with a primary dysplastic acetabulum. Two thirds of the surface of the cup must be covered by bone. INDICATIONS: Joint replacement in patients with acetabular dysplasia type II according to the AAOS classification. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Presence of acetabular dysplasia types I and III according to the AAOS classification. PREOPERATIVE WORK UP: Radiographic measurement of the acetabular depth and width using templates. POSITIONING AND ANAESTHESIA: Supine, affected side of pelvis slightly elevated. General or spinal anaesthesia. Special set of instruments mandatory. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Insertion of an acetabular cup through a lateral approach. Reaming of the acetabulum and filling of the defect under compression with a mixture of autogenous, morcellized bone from the resected femoral head and fibrin glue. Coverage of the transplanted bone with a pedicled capsular flap. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Phlebitis prophylaxis. Walking with 2 forearm crutches on the first postoperative day. Removal of stitches after 10 days. Thereafter gradual increase of weight bearing (10 kg every second day, use a bathroom scale to check loading). Once full weight bearing and full muscle control have been reached, use of 1 crutch is allowed. Radiographic control after 6 weeks, 3,6 and 12 months and yearly thereafter. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS: Perforation of the bony acetabulum. Fracture of the anterior or posterior acetabular rim. Thrombophlebitis, lung embolism, infection and/or periarticular ossification. RESULTS: Between 1986 and 1994 the technique has been used in 140 hips with congenital dysplasia (type II according to the AAOS classification) and secondary osteoarthritis. 132 hips were regularly assessed and the mean of follow-up was 6.2 years (1 to 9 years). The mean age of the mostly female patients was 48 years (28 to 62 years). Only porous surfaced metallic cups without cement were used. The following complications were observed: thrombophlebitis 1, superficial infection 1, transient paresis of the fibular nerve 1 and transient irritation of the femoral nerve 3 (see Table 2). Additional complications such as thigh pain, periarticular ossification and resorption of the bone graft are listed in Table 3. Complete bony incorporation of the bone grafts was seen in 122 hips. Resorption up to 8 mm occurred in the remaining 10 hips.

English Abstract↗
PubMed1997

Birth weight reduction associated with residence near a hazardous waste landfill.

We examined the relationship between birth weight and mother's residence near a hazardous waste landfill. Twenty-five years of birth certificates (1961-1985) were collected for four towns. Births were grouped into five 5-year periods corresponding to hypothesized exposure periods (1971-1975 having the greatest potential for exposure). From 1971 to 1975, term births (37-44 weeks gestation) to parents living closest to the landfill (Area 1A) had a statistically significant lower average birth weight (192 g) and a statistically significant higher proportion of low birth weight [odds ratio (OR) = 5.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1-12.3] than the control population. Average term birth weights in Area 1A rebounded by about 332 g after 1975. Parallel results were found for all births (gestational age > 27 weeks) in Area 1A during 1971-1975. Area 1A infants had twice the risk of prematurity (OR = 2.1; 95 CI, 1.0-4.4) during 1971-1975 compared to the control group. The results indicate a significant impact to infants born to residents living near the landfill during the period postulated as having the greatest potential for exposure. The magnitude of the effect is in the range of birth weight reduction due to cigarette smoking during pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Prolactin response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone as a guideline for cyclical mastalgia treatment.

METHODS: We studied a group of 36 fertile women affected with moderate-to-severe cyclical mastalgia (mean age: 26.0 years) showing a normal menstrual history and normal basal levels of circulating hormones, including prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (delta HEAs), androstenedione (A). Using serial measurements of PRL plasma levels after an intravenous injection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), (TRH test), patients were divided in two groups: 19 patients with abnormal PRL response to TRH and the remaining 17 with normal response. RESULTS: Bromocriptine treatment, 2.5 mg b.i.d. for 3-6 months, was effective in 73.6% of patients with abnormal TRH test and in 23.5% of patients with normal TRH test: the difference was statistically significant. On the other hand, 76.9% of patients with either normal TRH test or resistant to bromocriptine therapy had a favourable response to percutaneous progesterone and systemic non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). CONCLUSIONS: These results seem to confirm the hypothesis that PRL response to TRH could be used to identify patients affected with cyclical mastalgia that are likely to benefit by bromocriptine treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Cardiovascular problems and diving

In the US the Diving Alert Network has a list of physicians for medical consultation. I am one of the cardiologists on the list and I get about a call a day about some cardiac question that raises issues of safety or fitness for diving. I will discuss the commoner categories such as coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, valvular disorders, arrhythmias, conduction disorders, pacemakers, some of the common cardiac drugs used in the treatment of hypertension and some other relatively benign medical conditions that raise questions about the use of the drugs rather than the condition itself.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1994

Drinking Water Contamination and the Incidence of Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

>A study of drinking water contamination and leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) incidence (1979-1987) was conducted in a 75-town study area. Comparing incidence in towns in the highest trichloroethylene (TCE) stratum (>5 microg/l) to towns without detectable TCE yielded an age-adjusted rate ratio (RR) for total leukemia among females of 1.43 (95% CI 1.07-1.90). For females under 20 years old, the RR for acute lymphocytic leukemia was 3.26 (95% CI 1.27-8.15). Elevated RRs were observed for chronic myelogenous leukemia among females and for chronic lymphocytic leukemia among males and females. NHL incidence among women was also associated with the highest TCE stratum (RR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.08-1.70). For diffuse large cell NHL and non-Burkitt's high-grade NHL among females, the RRs were 1.66 (95% CI 1.07-2.59) and 3.17 (95% CI 1.23-8.18), respectively, and 1.59 (95% CI 1.04-2.43) and 1.92 (95% CI 0.54-6.81), respectively, among males. Perchloroethylene (PCE) was associated with incidence of non-Burkitt's high-grade NHL among females, but collinearity with TCE made it difficult to assess relative influences. The results suggest a link between TCE/PCE and leukemia/ NHL incidence. However, the conclusions are limited by potential misclassification of exposure due to lack of individual information on long-term residence, water consumption, and inhalation of volatilized compounds.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1990

Drinking water contamination and the incidence of leukemia: an ecologic study.

An ecologic study was performed to examine the relation between the incidence of leukemias and the occurrence of volatile organic chemical (VOC) contamination of drinking water supplies within a study area comprised of subpopulations differentially exposed to drinking water VOCs (trichloroethylene and related solvents). Populations served by community water supplies were classified into exposure categories according to VOC contamination status based on 1984-85 sampling data. Leukemia incidence data (1979-84) were collected from a population-based cancer registry. For females, the standardized incidence ratio was elevated only in towns in the highest of three exposure categories. No association was observed in males in any of the exposure categories. A Poisson regression analysis of the data, using finer exposure strata, indicated an increase in risk among females with increasing level of contamination which appeared to be distributed evenly across all age strata. The rate ratio for females at the highest exposure stratum for total non-THM VOCs compared to the least exposed stratum was 1.68. The observed association appears to suggest that drinking water contaminated with VOCs may increase the incidence of leukemia among exposed females, but caution is advised in the interpretation of these results because of the uncertainties inherent in ecologic studies.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Infections caused by central venous catheter used in surgery].

The central venous catheters, now usually adopted in surgical patients, present some potential septic risks, and the longer the catheter is in place, the more dangerous it is. The authors report their experience on 130 central venous catheters, out of which 96 were used for TPN administration and 34 for monitoring purposes. The catheters were introduced through subclavian, internal jugular or basilic veins, in accordance with a standardized technique. The observed infection percentage, caused by the catheters, was 7.7%; the infection was easily controlled by the catheter removal and a proper antibiotic therapy. The only death, surely due to sepsis, was caused by Candida fungus in an immunosuppressed female patient. Therefore the authors stress the importance to prevent septic complications in order to avoid fatal ones.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Analysis of 80 bilateral hip replacement surgeries performed in a single session. Feasibility study.

Patients affected with bilateral coxarthrosis often present with clinical and radiographic findings that are similar on both sides. The experience with 80 patients submitted to bilateral hip replacement in a single session demonstrated the usefulness and the reduction in costs in relation to hospitalization and rehabilitation. Indications and contraindications must be taken seriously.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Needle aspiration cytology in thyroid surgery (our experience in 104 operated cases)].

In the least years Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) is more and more becoming a routine exam in the thyroid diagnostics. Nevertheless, its exact role and diagnostic value is still an argument under discussion, in spite of well known usefulness and safety of the method. The aim of this study, based on our experience, is to verify, if and how much FNAB findings could have modified the diagnostic schedule, the surgical indications and the number of malignancies in a group of operated patients for thyroid nodular disease. In this experience a series of 104 patients have been studied in the Ia Clinica Chirurgica-Ia Facoltà, Università degli Studi di Napoli in the years 1988-90; the indication for a surgical treatment was due to a nodular thyroid disease. Aspiration cytology was performed in these patients before surgery and afterwards was determined the correlation between cytologic and hystological findings. The clinical and scan assessment also contributed to indicate the surgical management of the disease. On the basis of this study FNAB has to be considered as a quite reliable diagnostic tool in thyroid lesions; it results free of complications, with good sensitivity (75%), specificity (82.6%) and diagnostic accuracy (81.7%). A peculiar consequence of the use of cytology, is the increased number of adenoca (11.5%) preoperatively diagnosed, a percentage of which otherwise would have been a histopathological postoperative "surprise". However, the possibility of "false negative" and "false positive" lends further support to the concept that FNAB alone cannot determinate the choice between medical or surgical treatment of thyroid nodular lesions.

Adolescent↗