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Biomedical subjects

F Rulli

Publications and source records attributed to F Rulli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Systemic acute-phase response after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines are the main mediators of inflammation and the response to trauma. The purpose of this study was to compare variations in cytokine levels following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and mini-laparotomy cholecystectomy (OC), since these two types of operations were considered to be a unique model for examining the role of local tissue injury in postoperative inflammatory reactions. METHODS: A total of 40 patients were studied. Eighteen of them underwent LC; the remaining 22 were operated on using the open technique. Systemic concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured before and after the operation. In addition, we compared pre- and postoperative white blood cell (WBC) counts, postoperative body temperature, and length of postoperative hospitalization. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups in IL-1 and TNF response. The rise in plasma IL-6 levels (18.86 +/- 9.61 vs 5.00 +/- 0.0 pg/ml, p < 0.0001) and CRP (8.40 +/- 5.81 vs 1.43 +/- 1.30 mg/dl, p < 0.001) were more marked after open cholecystectomy than after the laparoscopic procedure. There was no correlation between serum CRP concentrations and the other postoperative parameters. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of the acute-phase response was less pronounced following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, consistent with a reduction in tissue trauma.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗
PubMed2000

A multicenter randomized trial of prophylaxis with intravenous cefepime + metronidazole or ceftriaxone + metronidazole in colorectal surgery. The 230 Study Group.

We compared two prophylactic antimicrobial regimens in 615 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgical procedures. Patients ranged in age from 19 to 92 years (median 66 years); the majority were male (54.0%) and most (77.7%) had neoplastic disease. All underwent mechanical bowel preparation. Patients were randomized to receive preoperative infusions of 2 g cefepime (n=307) or 2 g ceftriaxone (n=308), followed by 500 mg metronidazole. Patients were followed for up to 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Antimicrobial prophylaxis was successful in preventing primary site infections in 92.8% of patients in the cefepime + metronidazole arm and 92.9% of patients in the ceftriaxone + metronidazole arm. Both regimens were well tolerated. A single dose of cefepime + metronidazole thus seems to be a very useful alternative to other regimens for prophylaxis in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[The effect of cardiovascular rehabilitation on the variability of the RR cycle after a first uncomplicated acute myocardial infarct].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to verify the changes in the autonomic balance by means of heart rate variability assessment in patients with myocardial infarction referred for cardiac rehabilitation. METHODS: We studied 122 patients (79 males, 43 females, mean age 56 +/- 5 years), with a first uncomplicated myocardial infarction (anterior 48, thrombolysis 72), Killip class 1, preserved left ventricular function (ejection fraction 49 +/- 6%). All patients were free of inducible residual ischemia. Four weeks after myocardial infarction, patients were randomized into two groups; Group 1 (n = 58) referred for an 8 week cardiac rehabilitation program (scheduled: 24 sessions); Group 2 (n = 64): normal daily physical activity. During a 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring the following parameters were calculated in pharmacological wash-out at randomization (T0) and at the end of cardiac rehabilitation/control period (T1): mean value of RR intervals (RR), its standard deviation (SDNN), pNN50, rMSSD in the time domain; low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) value and the LF/HF ratio in the frequency domain. T1-T0 changes in percent values (delta %) were considered and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were excluded from the study either for insufficient adhesion to the cardiac rehabilitation program (< 13 sessions, 22 patients) or recurrent ischemia (3 Group 1 patients and 3 Group 2 patients) and non-assessable 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring (3 patients). Thirty-one Group 1 patients and 60 Group 2 patients completed the study with a first and a second 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring performed at 30 +/- 3 days and 60 +/- 4 days respectively. At the same time an ergospirometric test was performed to evaluate cardiopulmonary function by means of exercise time, maximum oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold, exercise time at the anaerobic threshold, and maximum oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold. Twenty-eight Group 1 patients and 44 Group 2 patients completed the study with a first and a second ergospirometric test. Baseline heart rate variability parameters were comparable in the two groups. During the observation period only in Group 1 patients heart rate variability parameters changed significantly: RR (Group 1 = +18.3 +/- 21.3; Group 2 = +4.2 +/- 5.2, p = 0.000), pNN50 (Group 1 = 45.0 +/- 38.9; Group 2 = +24.2 +/- 34.7, p = 0.011), HF (Group 1 = +81.6 +/- 124; Group 2 = -28.7 +/- 75.4, p = 0.014) and LF/HF ratio (Group 1 = -26.0 +/- 16.1; Group 2 = -4.9 +/- 6.1, p = 0.062). There were no significant differences in SDNN, rMSSD and LF. A linear correlation between delta LF/HF ratio and baseline LF/HF ratio values was found in Group 1 (r = 0.489, p = 0.006), whereas no correlation was found between this parameter and age, ejection fraction, creatine phosphokinase, and infarct localization. Group 1 patients had a significant improvement in exercise tolerance compared to Group 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: A cardiac rehabilitation program positively modifies the sympatho-vagal balance in patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction, increasing the parasympathetic tone and exercise tolerance.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Angiosarcoma of the spleen mimicking rupture. Case report and literature review.

Primary angiosarcoma of the spleen is very rare and only 143 cases have previously been reported. The pathogenesis is unknown. The clinical aspects are variable, but loss of weight, anaemia, splenomegaly and liver metastases are frequently present. The age range is generally 18 to 93 years; only four of the reported patients were under 20 (Chen KTK). The prognosis is very poor in any case and survival isn't more than two years: wherever the spleen undergoes spontaneous rupture the survival should be less than six months. Patients with or without metastatic disease may be treated by chemotherapy but with poor results. Radiotherapy is used for the pain from bone metastasis. We report the clinical case concerning a 79-years-old man with liver metastases and a 5-cm lesion in the spleen, where a subcapsular rupture was suspected.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Diagnosis and surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism].

Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPP) is increasingly being recognized because of the widespread use of multiphasic screening for hypercalcemia, in patients without clinical signs. Each year develop 100,000 new cases in the United States, females/males 5:2; the peak of incidence is in V-VI degrees decade. We analyze our patients from November 1975 to July 2000. We have performed 112 parathyroidectomy for HPP, 84 females and 28 males, median age 57.5 years. We have examined the surgical options, the value of PTH, calcium, and the number of pathological glands. The Authors discuss the invasive or non-invasive procedures and the surgical treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the duodenum.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We report on a case of primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the duodenum. METHODS: Report of a case and review of the literature on the occurrence of this tumor in the alimentary tract. RESULTS: The neoplasm was detected incidentally at the time of diagnostic workup for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Curative surgery using the Whipple procedure was carried out with uneventful postoperative course; no evidence of liver metastases was detected during intraoperative ultrasonography. The patient died of diffuse metastatic liver disease 2 months after surgical resection. Up-to-date review of the literature has added only 3 cases to those previously reported, including that reported by us. CONCLUSIONS: The biological behavior of malignat fibrous histiocytomas is extremely aggressive and mainly conditioned by size and histological grading. The treatment of choice, whenever possible, is based on early and complete surgical excision of the tumor.

Duodenal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1999

Effects of early treatment with captopril and metoprolol singly or together on six-month mortality and morbidity after acute myocardial infarction. Results of the RIMA (Rimodellamento Infarto Miocardico Acuto) study. The RIMA researchers.

UNLABELLED: The RIMA (Rimodellamento Infarto Miocardico Acuto) study was designed to assess the relative effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition by captopril, beta-blocker therapy by metoprolol, and their combination in patients with a first acute myocardial infarction on: 1. echocardiographically detected left ventricular remodeling; 2. prognosis. The second goal will be the argument of the present paper. Two-hundred fifty < or = 75 years consecutive patients (mean age: 58 yrs, males = 203) with acute myocardial infarction were randomly allocated to receive for > or = 3 months captopril (up to 75 mg/day, Group 1), metoprolol (up to 200 mg/day, Group 2) or captopril + metoprolol (Group 3) starting in the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Intravenous beta-blockers in the acute phase of myocardial infarction and all other cardioactive drugs were allowed. The effect of the randomized therapy at six months from admission to the coronary care unit was considered in relation to: 1. recurrence of spontaneous cardiac events and of elective revascularization procedures; 2. adverse reactions (hypotension, atrioventricular block, cough, allergy, need of beta-blockers in Group 1, need for ACE inhibition in Group 2) requiring treatment modification based on physician's decision. RESULTS: Definite follow-up data were available in 226 patients and 195/226 patients (86%) had a complete treatment period. In these patients (per protocol analysis), 37 spontaneous cardiac events occurred: cardiac death = 6, non-fatal reinfarction = 9, unstable angina requiring hospitalization = 16, congestive heart failure = 6. Moreover, seven patients received a coronary revascularization procedure. Events occurred in 11/67 patients from Group 1, 16/63 patients from Group 2, 10/65 patients from Group 3 (16% vs 25% vs 15%, p = 0.28). The multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated an increased odds ratio (OR) for spontaneous cardiac events in patients from Group 2 (OR = 2.82, 95% Cl: 1.16-6.87: p < 0.05). Elective revascularization procedures were statistically less frequent in patients treated with metoprolol (Group 1 = 9%, Group 2 = 1.6%, Group 3 = 0%; Group 1 vs Groups 2 and 3; p = 0.03). The intention-to-treat analysis on the overall population (226 patients) confirmed the presence of a trend towards a higher risk in patients from Group 2 (OR = 2.1, 95% Cl: 0.96-4.59; p = 0.06). Adverse reactions were observed in 16 patients from Group 1, 6 patients from Group 2 and 15 patients from Group 3 (22% vs 10% vs 23%; Group 2 vs Groups 1 and 3; p = 0.08). At the multivariate regression analysis, a trend towards less adverse reactions in patients assigned to the beta-blocker therapy alone was confirmed (OR = 0.41, 95% Cl: 0.15-1.13; p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized early post-infarction treatment strategy, ACE inhibition with captopril alone or in combination with metoprolol demonstrated an increased protection against spontaneous cardiac events at six months in comparison with metoprolol alone. On the other hand, the beta-blocker treatment was associated with a lower number of elective revascularization procedures and appeared better tolerated than ACE inhibition.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1999

Follicular carcinoma in ectopic thyroid gland. A case report.

Ectopic thyroid rest can be seen anywhere along the path of descent of the gland. The most ectopic thyroid tissue is a thyroglossal duct cyst associated with normal thyroid gland. Sublingual location is less common than a lingual ectopia. True malignant transformation in ectopic thyroid tissue is extremely rare. Such a malignancy is virtually always diagnosed only after surgical excision of the lesion at pathological examination. This report discusses a case of ectopic thyroid follicular carcinoma in the right submandibular region in the absence of orthotopic thyroid, discovered by chance after the surgical excision performed for a preoperative ultrasonically and cytologically misdiagnosed submandibular gland adenocystic carcinoma. The possible aetiology of such an unusual anatomical relationship is discussed as well as the importance of thyroid scanning, ultrasound and/or CT in neck lumps.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗
PubMed1999

Pre-operative evaluation and treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of radionuclide venography (RV) in the detection of the site(s) of blood reflux through incompetent perforating veins (IPVs) of the leg of patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Prospective study in which we evaluated our experience in the assessment and treatment of patients with moderate or severe CVI with a follow-up ranging between 6 and 48 months. SETTING: A surgical service of the Department of Surgery of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata". PATIENTS: Fifty-three patients with CVI that were referred to our service to be surgically treated. INTERVENTIONS: Physical examination, RV, and surgical procedures of ligation of IPVs. MEASURES: Based on pre- and post-operative physical examination and RV. RESULTS: The patency of deep venous system and the presence of 1 to 3 leg IPVs was confirmed preoperatively in all the limbs either with physical examination and RV. After surgery, non-ulcerated skin changes improved and all the ulcers healed within 45 days. Postoperative RV showed that the IPVs had disappeared from the affected areas in 56 limbs. Two ulcers recurred after two and six months respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RV showed to be a reliable method to exactly detect IPVs. This method is useful to guide the ligation of IPVs in patients with moderate or severe CVI.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Prevalence of thyroid cancer in hyperthyroid patients treated by surgery.

A retrospective study has been carried out to evaluate the prevalence of malignant thyroid tumors in 202 patients submitted to surgery for hyperthyroidism. Thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 12 cases (5.9%); the final histologic examination revealed nine papillary carcinomas, one follicular carcinoma, and two Hürthle cell carcinomas. Concurrence of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer was more frequent in patients with single toxic adenomas than in those with toxic diffuse or multinodular goiters. In five cases thyroid malignancy was detected in the context of the hyperthyroid lesion (three toxic adenomas and two diffuse goiters). In eight patients the malignant lesion showed a maximum diameter of less than 1 cm, although in five of these cases unfavorable histologic features, such as minimal capsular invasion or multifocality, were present. All patients presenting with thyroid cancer are currently alive and apparently free of residual disease. It is concluded that hyperthyroid patients, particularly those with single toxic adenomas, should be carefully evaluated to exclude the presence of an associated malignancy and to plan the most appropriate therapeutic options.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Multicenter trial on prognostic value of inducible ischemia, assessed by dobutamine stress echocardiography and exercise electrocardiography test, in patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction, treated with thrombolytic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Thrombolysis has reduced early and longterm mortality by about 20%; sometimes, however, there is a re-occlusion of the infarct related artery or an unsuccessful thrombolysis. In these situations, there is a possible increase in detrimental events in the follow-up. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the prognostic value of dobutamine echocardiography (DET) and ECG exercise test (EET) in pts submitted to thrombolysis. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-one pts, with acute uncomplicated myocardial infarction, were enrolled. The pts were able to perform EET and had a sufficient echocardiographic window; 58 had anterior myocardial infarction (38%), 79 had inferior (52%), 2 had lateral (1%), 12 had non-Q (8%). EET was performed with an initial load of 25 Watt, and thereafter, 25 W every two minutes. DET was performed with step-wise infusion every three minutes (5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mcg/kg/min.). If the target heart rate was not reached, a further dose of 40 mcg/kg/min. together with atropine 0.25-1 mg was administered, in the absence of signs and symptoms of ischemia. RESULTS: During a mean (+/- SD) follow-up period of 8 +/- 4.5 months (range 1-23), 16 spontaneous events happened (4 deaths, 5 non-fatal re-infarctions, 7 unstable angina). One-hundred and three EET (68%) were negative for ongoing ischaemia, while 48 were positive, 79 DET (52%) were negative for ongoing ischaemia and 72 were positive (48%). Statistical results: DET and EET had a sensitivity of 41% and 54%, a specificity of 57% and 74%, a positive predictive value of 7% and 14%, a negative predictive value of 91% and 95%, an accuracy of 56% and 73%. Kaplan-Maier survival curves demonstrated that patients with Peak Wall motion > 1.8 and EET score > 3, had the higher risk of spontaneous events. CONCLUSION: A few spontaneous events happened in the follow-up. These data demonstrate that patients treated with thrombolysis are not at high risk of spontaneous events. DET and EET, therefore, have had a high negative predictive value. For this reason, we can conclude that pts with negative tests can be considered at low risk and do not need any further investigations.

Dobutamine↗
PubMed1998

[Deep venous insufficiency of the lower extremities].

Lower limbs chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a widespread pathologic condition. Prevalence of venous ulcer in Europe ranges between 0.5% and 1.0%. Venous ulceration can be due to insufficiency of the superficial system, although deep venous insufficiency is responsible for 75% of the cases. Morbidity and socio-economic costs are exceedingly high especially because of frequent recurrences. CVI recognises mainly two causes: 1) increased influx, due to arteriovenous fistulas; 2) difficult outflow usually secondary to postphlebitic or primitive valvular incompetence. The prevalence of CVI and venous ulceration is difficult to assess. Surgical treatment tends to cure the underlying hemodynamic problem. Homans in 1916 first introduced surgical treatment of CVI and venous ulceration: excision of the cutaneous lesion and ligature suprafascial of the communicating veins. Since then different various techniques have been introduced in the clinical practice: Linton in 1938 supported subfascial interruption of the perforating veins but still reported a recurrence rate of 47%. Stripping of internal saphenous vein associated with division of perforating veins is still controversial, because lacks evidence of its real effectiveness in preventing recurrences. Felder's surgical technique is preferred by some authors to Linton's technique, because of the possibility to divide and section incompetent perforating veins without a cutaneous incision in the severely diseased postphlebitic tissues. In personal experience (56 patients) treated by Felder's techniques, we reached a cutaneous ulceration healing rate of 36% has been obtained. Subfascial interruption of perforating veins under endoscopic vision associated to the stripping of the internal saphenous vein could be a valuable option in the treatment of CVI because of the shorter duration of the operation and hospital stay and lesser postoperative complications. Repair and/or replacement of deep venous valves, originally described by Kistner in 1968, could be curative of venous hypertension due to primitive valvular insufficiency (primitive or postphlebitic): the same author in 1975 reported positive results (80% at 5 years). Major advantages of indirect valvuloplastic surgical technique are: 1) venotomy is not necessary; 2) it does not introduce extraneous material in the vasal lumen; 3) clamping of the vein is avoided; 4) heparine or other antithrombotic measures are usually not necessary. Although preliminary encouraging results, subsequent clinical experiences have demonstrated that correction of the reflux of the main axial venous system alone is not curative and durable resolution of venous symptoms also depends on the concomitant correction of all incompetent perforating veins. Venous valves transplantation is theoretically good to correct the deep long reflux and to improve calf pump function, although clinical results are still limited and follow-up not prolonged enough in terms of symptoms resolution and complete ulcer healing.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Endometriosis of the abdominal wall.

Endometriosis is ectopic endometrial tissue that responds to hormonal stimulation and is found 8-15 per cent of all menstruating women. Endometrioma in/or close to a surgical scar is rare and occurs in 0.1 per cent of women who underwent cesarean section. When localized at the abdominal wall, the disease presents as a painful swelling resembling other lesions, such as hernias, post-operative ventral hernias, hematomas, granulomas, abscesses, and tumors. Endometriosis of the abdominal wall may not be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses detected in/or close cesarean scar. Three cases are reported here. All of them underwent surgery and the error of the pre-operative diagnosis was revealed by histology in two cases. Actually, only one case was suspected pre-operatively.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1996

[The histopathological and microbiological aspects in a model of acute acalculous cholecystitis: an experimental study].

The early stages of acute acalculous cholecystitis (ACC) have been difficult to investigate due to the animal models developed and utilized over the past years. A new model of animal AAC induced by intra-abdominal sepsis is presented. Under general anesthesia 35 guinea pigs underwent laparotomy. The designed model included ligation and prick of the caecum in 25 animals (group A), while 10 animals served as control group (group B). Seven days after these experimental procedures animals underwent relaparotomy and were submitted to cholecystectomy and sacrifice. Histological studies of the specimen revealed various degrees of cholecystitis in all the gallbladders of survived animals from group A. Gallbladders of animals from group B were histologically normal. Gallbladder bile of 15 survived animals from group A were cultured. Bile cultures were negative in 10, while culture of gallbladder bile were positive in 5; the pathogen cultured were Streptococcus Faecalis and Streptococcus Sp. The results of this study suggest that intra-abdominal sepsis induces gallbladder inflammation of various degrees. This directly supports the theoretical relationship indicating that sepsis and shock could produce AAC. Moreover this model proved that AAC, in early stages, is primarily induced by inflammatory processes, while infection of the bile do represent a late event.

Acute Disease↗