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Biomedical subjects

F Ruggieri

Publications and source records attributed to F Ruggieri.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

[Exercise-induced left arm pain and thrombocytosis].

We describe the case of a 45-year-old male smoker who presented with an acute anterior wall myocardial infarction and a platelet count on admission of 1030000/mm3. Emergent coronary angiography revealead left anterior wall akinesia caused by a spontaneously resolved thrombosis of the left anterior descending artery with residual stenosis. Primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty and stenting were performed. Postangioplasty course was uneventful. He was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia based on the findings of marked thrombocytosis of 1,030,000/mm3, splenomegaly and numerous clumping giant megakaryocytes on bone marrow biopsy. In addition to standard therapy with aspirin, heparin, betablocking agent, ACE-inhibitor and statine he received additional anti-platelet therapy with Clopidogrel. Cytoreductive therapy was not necessary.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed2004

[Spontaneous dissection of visceral blood vesssels--a rare cause of epigastric pain].

A 51 year-old man presented with acute abdominal pain in our emergency room. The first examination revealed no pathological findings except coprostasis and after an enteroclysis the patient was sent home without any complaints. During a recent episode of abdominal pain a computer tomography was performed, showing dissection of the superior mesenteric and the celiac artery. Without any signs of mesenteric ischemia additional examinations like laboratory studies, x-rays, and abdominal ultrasound might be normal and therefore not helpful for diagnosis. In patients presenting with persistent abdominal pain and unspecific clinical and laboratory findings rare causes of abdominal symptoms should be considered. Despite the rarity of visceral artery dissection, awareness of this pathology is crucial because of its possible lifethreatening complications. Appropriate diagnostic imaging tests may avoid postmortem diagnosis by the pathologist.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2003

High plasma concentrations of di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate in women with endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests a potential role for ubiquitous environmental contaminants in the physiopathology of endometriosis. Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), the most commonly used plasticizer in flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC) formulations, is a widespread environmental contaminant with potentially adverse effects on fertility in animal models. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that DEHP and/or and its main metabolite, mono-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. METHODS: Specimens of blood and peritoneal fluid were collected in a group of women with endometriosis (n = 55), and in age-matched control women (n = 24). Concentrations of DEHP and MEHP were measured in plasma and peritoneal fluid by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Differences between groups were tested using the Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon-test, and Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance. RESULTS: Endometriotic women showed significantly higher plasma DEHP concentrations than controls (median 0.57 micro g/ml, interquartile range: 0.06-1.23; values range: 0-3.24 versus median 0.18 micro g/ml, interquartile range: 0-0.44; values range: 0-1.03; P = 0.0047) and 92.6% of them had detectable DEHP and /or MEHP in the peritoneal fluid. No significant differences in either the DEHP/MEHP plasma concentrations (P >/= 0.31) or DEHP/MEHP peritoneal fluid concentrations (P >/= 0.66) were observed in the endometriotic patients as a function of the disease stage at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings showed for the first time an association between DEHP plasma concentrations and endometriosis, suggesting a possible role for phthalate esters in the pathogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in humans during pregnancy. A preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), the most commonly used plasticizer, is a widespread ubiquitous environmental contaminant. The potential health hazards from exposure to DEHP and its main metabolite, mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP), have been well documented. Exposure to DEHP and MEHP in humans at risk, such as pregnant women and human fetuses, has not been tested. METHODS: Plasma DEHP and MEHP concentrations were measured in a total of 24 consecutive mother-infant pairs by high performance liquid chromatography. Associations between DEHP/MEHP and infant characteristics were tested using Fisher's exact test, unpaired t tests and univariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Measurable DEHP and MEHP concentrations were found in 17/24 (70.8%) and 18/24 (75%) maternal plasmas, respectively, and in 11/25 (44%) and 18/25 (72.0%) cord samples, respectively. Either DEHP or MEHP were detectable in 21/24 (87.5%) maternal plasmas and 19/25 (76%) cord samples. The mean DEHP concentrations in maternal and cord plasmas were 1.15 +/- 0.81 and 2.05 +/- 1.47 microg/ml, respectively. The mean MEHP concentrations were 0.68 +/- 0.85 and 0.68 +/- 1.03 microg/ml, respectively. No significant correlations were found between maternal and cord blood DEHP, maternal and cord blood MEHP, maternal DEHP and cord blood MEHP, or maternal MEHP and cord blood DEHP plasma concentrations. CONCLUSION: Although the effects of perinatal exposure to phthalates need further research, our findings: (i) confirm the high frequency of DEHP and/or MEHP exposure in human pregnancies; (ii) indicate that the exposure to these environmental contaminants begins during intrauterine life, and (iii) suggest that fetal exposure is closely related to the maternal exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Nedocromil sodium in the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in athletes with asthma.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of nedocromil sodium in the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in 13 top athletes affected by bronchial asthma. At a dose of 4 mg the drug significantly reduced the fall in FEV1 compared with placebo but not with respect to basal values. In 9 athletes, 4 mg nedocromil sodium produced a good protective effect and reduced the mean fall in FEV1 to 4% with respect to baseline values, while in the remaining 4 subjects, the protective effect was not satisfactory. In these 4 "non responders" 6 mg nedocromil was effective, and in 2 cases induced prolonged bronchodilatation. In conclusion, the effect of nedocromil sodium in the prevention of EIB may be dose-dependent in relation to the degree of bronchial hyperreactivity or to interference of other factors.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1992

Nedocromil sodium inhibits the increase in airway reactivity induced by platelet activating factor in humans.

To investigate the effect of nedocromil sodium on changes in airway reactivity to methacholine induced by platelet activating factor, we studied 12 nonasthmatic, nonatopic subjects (24 to 41 years) in a double-blind trial. The FEV1 and airflow at 30 percent of vital capacity from a partial forced expiration (V30p) were used to assess changes in airway caliber. Two concentration-response curves to doubling concentrations of MCh (from 0.3 mg/ml) were performed 48 h apart. The concentrations of MCh causing a 20 percent fall in FEV1 (PC20FEV1) or a 40 percent fall in V30p (PC40V30p) were calculated. After the first MCh challenge, subjects were matched by airway reactivity and randomly assigned to nedocromil sodium (two puffs qid 2 mg/puff) or placebo treatment. Two days after the second MCh challenge, PAF was inhaled, and changes in airway caliber were recorded. Administration of either nedocromil sodium or placebo was ended at this time and airway response to MCh was assessed two days after PAF. The two concentration-response curves to MCh obtained before PAF exposure were superimposable. The PAF caused a dose-related bronchoconstriction in both groups; the maximal fall in V30p was 27.6 +/- 6.6 percent (mean +/- SE) in the nedocromil sodium group and 37.4 +/- 4.6 percent in the placebo group. Two days after PAF, the PC20FEV1 did not change in subjects who received nedocromil sodium (4.86 vs 4.32 mg/ml; geometric mean), but it fell from 6.59 to 1.12 mg/ml (p less than 0.05) in placebo-treated subjects. These results indicate that nedocromil sodium inhibits PAF-induced increase in airway reactivity.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Diagnosis and treatment of asthma across Europe.

It is widely recognized that the mortality rate for asthma is at an unacceptably high level. Many physicians take the view that, if this situation is to be reversed, emphasis should be placed on the earlier and regular use of preventive therapies, which manage the fundamental pathophysiology of asthma, rather than merely treating symptoms. It, therefore, appears appropriate to reappraise sodium cromoglycate in terms of its role in normalizing respiratory function by its effect on inflammatory mediators and, thus, in improving the quality of life for asthmatics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Sodium cromoglycate: a review.

Sodium cromoglycate is a drug widely used in the treatment of bronchial asthma. In vitro and animal models show that its effect is related to mast cell stabilization and to a direct action on inflammatory cells or the broncho-obstructive reflex. In man, sodium cromoglycate is able to prevent bronchoconstriction induced by a variety of stimuli including the 'late' reaction to allergen. It is also able to prevent the allergen-induced increase in hyperresponsiveness. Long-term therapeutic trials have confirmed its validity in the treatment of asthmatic patients.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Nedocromil sodium: a review of clinical studies.

Nedocromil sodium is a new compound for the long-term treatment of bronchial asthma. Its effect has been studied in prevention of bronchospasm induced by a variety of stimuli showing a broader spectrum of activity than SCG. Its clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in a number of trials involving patients regardless of asthma type.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed1988

A double-blind group comparative study of nedocromil sodium in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Thirty-eight patients with seasonal rhinitis due to grass pollen allergy took part in this double-blind study comparing 1% nedocromil sodium and placebo. Treatment was allocated by randomised coding sheet and consisted of 1% nedocromil sodium nasal spray or placebo given four times daily for four weeks during the peak pollen season. Highly significant (p less than 0.001) differences in favour of nedocromil sodium were seen for all signs and symptoms recorded at clinical assessments, and for diary card assessments of symptoms. In addition, time to effect and patient and clinician opinions of treatment significantly (p less than 0.001) favoured nedocromil sodium. Laboratory data on blood and urine samples taken before and after treatment showed no significant effects, and both treatments were well tolerated. Nedocromil sodium 1% nasal spray taken four times daily was shown to be an effective treatment for grass pollen rhinitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Lumbar disc herniation: diagnosis, surgical treatment, recurrence. A review of 872 operated cases.

This review is based on 972 cases treated surgically for lumbar disc herniation between 1974 and 1984. The authors discuss several problems related to this condition. The importance of the history and clinical assessment are emphasized, as well as the role of instrumental tests such as radiculography and CT scan. The authors report what they believe to be the treatment of choice to avoid recurrence, based on an analysis of two groups of patients. The first group consisted of patients in whom lumbar and radicular pain persisted after operation. The second group consisted of patients in whom these symptoms recurred after an interval of complete relief. This analysis leads to the following conclusions: 1) clinical examination is pre-eminent; CT scan and radiculography are complementary to an accurate neurological examination; 2) hemilaminectomy is the operation of choice because it is sufficient to ensure accurate exploration of both root and disc; 3) most recurrences are due to errors in diagnosis or surgical technique.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

The treatment of fractures of the acetabulum involving both anterior and posterior columns.

Over a period of 20 years, 35 cases of fracture of the acetabulum involving both columns were treated by operation in our unit. These were followed up after a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 20 years. The Iselin approach, even when extended forwards by partial disinsertion of the gluteal muscles, allowed good reduction only when there was little or no displacement of the ilio-pubic column. In the other cases, it was necessary to use a combined anterior and posterior approach, or the Letournel approach, but the latter was reserved for cases with very severe displacement or comminution of the fragments when it is essential to have access and control of the iliac and acetabular complex in its entirety. The clinical and radiographic results of fractures involving both columns are not unlike those observed in other complex fractures of the pelvis: good reduction and osteosynthesis is synonymous with good function even in the long term.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1986

Transverse fractures of the acetabulum.

From a total case material of 356 fractures of the acetabulum we have been able to analyse in depth 188 fractures treated surgically--77 transverse, 21 T-fractures and 90 transverse associated with posterior rim fractures. These lesions, although sharing certain anatomical and radiographic features, have peculiar characteristics which are important to define for purposes of treatment. Posterior dislocation of the femoral head is frequently associated with posterior rim fractures and central dislocation with transverse and T-fractures. Traumatic arthritis as a late complication was studied with particular reference to the quality of reduction of the fracture. When this results in an irregular articular surface early arthritis is the usual outcome; when it results in an acetabular cavity wider than the diameter of the femoral head, arthritis is delayed usually for more than 10 years, and subsequently progresses very slowly.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1984

The transtibio-fibular graft in the treatment of pseudarthrosis of the tibia with loss of bone substance.

The transtibio-fibular graft is the treatment of choice in pseudarthrosis of the tibia with significant loss of bone, particularly in the presence of infection or potential infection. A personal series of 28 cases is reported. The method consists of stabilizing the pseudarthrosis, usually after radical surgical cleansing, by applying the grafts through healthy tissues from a postero-lateral approach. The authors stress that this operation is only called for when the amount of bone loss is substantial. In the less severe cases the operation restores sufficiently strong union to prevent future fatigue fractures, whilst even in cases of more extensive bone loss it still offers an excellent prospect of avoiding such possible future complications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Therapeutic properties of dihydroxy-dibutylether on sub-acute liver damage induced by several hepatotoxic agents in rats.

The data presently reported show that repeated exposure of rats to allyl alcohol, ethionine or alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT) impaired some plasmatic parameters mainly by means of different mechanisms which involve the liver function. In particular, four administrations of allyl alcohol, given every other day, increased glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) for at least 48 hours from the last dose; ethionine reduced the bromsulphthalein (BSP) clearance even after 48 hours from the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd administration given on the 1st, 5th, or 12th day; ANIT, administered daily for seven days, increased glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), bilirubin, triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol (CH) while it decreased the body-weight and retarded growth for at least six to seven days after intoxication. Twice daily administrations of dihydroxy-dibutylether (DHBE), a strong choleretic agent, brought to normality the parameters impaired by the three hepatointoxicating agents even when the intoxication was already established. In fact, DHBE reduced the plasma GOT levels increased by allyl alcohol, improved the BSP clearance impaired by ethionine and tended to normalize the parameters modified by ANIT by lowering GPT, AP, CH, TG and bilirubin plasma levels and by enhancing body growth. The curative activity of DHBE does not seem to be related only to a membrane stabilizing action since silymarin, a known cell membrane stabilizer, does not significantly influence the parameters described above in all the experimental conditions. Even the choleretic activity of DHBE alone might not be sufficient to explain its hepatoprotective action since fenipentol (a known choleretic agent) is inactive at least after ANIT intoxication.

1-Naphthylisothiocyanate↗
PubMed1977

[Action of Trivé 1000 on hemostasis and hematocrit].

The action of lipids on haemostasis has already been shown. The authors study possible changes of haemostasis induced by the use of a substance: Trive 1000 containing 3.8 g of Soya oil and 0.3 g of Soya lecithin per 100 ml. Twenty patient received 1 litre per day over a period of ten days and were compared with 16 controls receiving glucose and amino acides without lipids. Studies of haemostasis included: overall coagulation by the thrombo-elastogram, P.R.P. (platelet rich plasma), estimation of the co-factors of the prothrombin complex, thrombin and reptilase times, platelet count, platelet stickiness using the method of HELLEM, platelet aggregation using the method of Born, plasminogen and plasmin activity by the pH STAT method, and P.D.F. levels. These examinations were carried out on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th postoperative days. The results in the patients receiving Trive 1000 were as follows: no change in blood coagulation, progressive fall in platelet activity in the sense of hypoaggregability which was significant from the 5th day onwards only. There was no change in fibrinolysis. By contrast, there was anaemia, as determined on the basis of a fall in haematocrit, maximal on the 5th day and attributed by the authors to the haemolytic properties of triglycerides. In conclusion, Trive 1000 had no signifcant influence on haemostasis, apart from platelet hypoaggregability of moderate degree after prolonged treatment and perhaps haemolytic anaemia.

Adult↗