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Biomedical subjects

G Beltrame

Publications and source records attributed to G Beltrame.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Antiphospholipid antibodies and hypertension.

Hypertension is a common manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) have been described in patients with hypertension secondary to renal artery stenosis (RAS). Twenty-six patients with RAS and 25 patients with severe essential hypertension (diastolic blood pressure > 110 mmHg or > or = 3 hypertensive drugs) were studied and compared to 61 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Serum samples were tested for lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL) IgG and IgM, antiprothrombin (aPT) IgG and IgM, anti-beta2glycoprotein 1 (abeta2GP1) IgG and IgM. aPL were negative in all patients with RAS. Two patients with essential hypertension had positive aPL (8%) (LA in one patient confirmed in a second assay and abeta2GP1-IgG in the other patient confirmed one year later together with aCL IgG positivity). Among healthy subjects, one case (1.6%) was found to be positive for LA, aCL IgM, abeta2GP1 IgM, aPT IgG, aPT IgM. In conclusion, the association between RAS and aPL seems to be casual rather than an expression of an elective thrombotic localization ofAPS. The positive finding of aPL in 8% of patients with essential hypertension, a frequency higher than that of the control population, deserves further studies in larger series to better explore the relationship between aPL and hypertension.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Effectiveness and tolerance of piroxicam 0.5% and diclofenac sodium 0.1% in controlling inflammation after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and tolerance of piroxicam 0.5% ophthalmic solution and diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution in controlling inflammation after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: Ophthalmological Department, San Donà di Piave Hospital, Venice, Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients--18 men and 22 women--between 55 and 85 years of age (mean age, 75.1 +/- 7.12 years) who were scheduled for cataract extraction with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were randomized to receive 0.5% piroxicam ophthalmic solution (piroxicam group, 20 patients) or 0.1% diclofenac sodium ophthalmic solution (diclofenac group, 20 patients) for 1 month postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements and slit-lamp biomicroscopy for the evaluation of corneal edema, Descemet membrane folds, Tyndall, and cells in the anterior chamber were carried out in all patients 1 day, 4 days, and 1 month postoperatively. Subjective symptoms after the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ophthalmic solution instillation were assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative IOP, BCVA, anterior chamber flare and cell levels, corneal edema, or Descemet membrane folds. Ocular discomfort, evaluated as burning or stinging sensation after NSAID ophthalmic solution instillation, was significantly more frequent and intense in the diclofenac-treated eyes. Two eyes in the diclofenac group had a mild transient punctate keratitis. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that piroxicam is as effective as diclofenac sodium in preventing inflammation after cataract surgery with IOL implantation, and its better tolerance and safety can provide higher patient compliance.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2001

Corneal topographic changes induced by different oblique cataract incisions.

PURPOSE: To compare astigmatic and topographic changes induced by different oblique cataract incisions. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital of San Donà di Piave, Venice, Italy. METHODS: One hundred sixty-eight eyes having phacoemulsification were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 3.5 mm clear corneal incision (CCI), 60 eyes; 5.5 mm sutured CCI, 54 eyes; 5.5 mm scleral tunnel, 54 eyes. Incisions lay on the 120 degree semimeridian. Corneal topography was performed preoperatively and 1 week and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Simulated keratometric readings were used to calculate astigmatism amplitude and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA). Postoperative topographic changes were determined by subtracting the preoperative from the postoperative numeric map readings. RESULTS: Three months postoperatively, the mean SIA in the right and left eyes, respectively, was 0.68 diopter (D) +/- 1.14 (SD) and 0.66 +/- 0.52 D in the 3.5 mm CCI group, 1.74 D +/- 1.43 D and 1.64 +/- 1.27 D in the 5.5 mm CCI group, and 0.46 +/- 0.56 D and 0.10 +/- 1.08 D in the scleral tunnel group. Right and left eyes showed similar SIA amplitude but different SIA axis orientation. The SIA was significantly higher in the 5.5 mm CCI group than in the other 2 groups 1 and 3 months postoperatively (P <.01). All groups showed significant wound-related flattening and nonorthogonal steepening at 2 opposite radial sectors. Topographic changes were significantly higher in the 5.5 mm CCI group and significantly lower in the scleral tunnel group. CONCLUSIONS: Right and left eyes showed similar SIA amplitude but different SIA axis orientation and topographic modifications, probably because of the different superotemporal and superonasal corneal anatomic structure. The 5.5 mm CCI induced significantly higher postoperative astigmatism, SIA, and topographic changes.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

[Biopsy experience at the G. Bosco Hospital from 1996 to 1999].

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was a retrospective analysis of the renal biopsies performed in our Division. METHODS: Since January 1, 1996 to September 30, 1999 289 biopsies were performed on native kidneys, 90 patients were older than 65. RESULTS: The most frequent nephropathy was IgA glomerulonephritis (IgAGN) (28%), followed by membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) (11%). In patients older than 65, the most frequent was MGN (20%), followed by IgAGN (12.2%). The total complications were 84 (29.1%) (hematomas >3 cm 1%; blood transfusion: 1.4%). Complications were not related to age, blood pressure, renal function, clinical presentation, number of shots. In 217 patients, the results obtained with two different modalities were compared: manual system (needle size=15 gauge) and automatic system (18 gauge). No statistically significant differences were found as regards the number of shots for single biopsy, number of glomeruli and major complications (1.6% vs 1.3%), while minor complications were more frequent in the second group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the number of renal biopsies performed in our Division has been increasing year after year. This trend can be partially explained by our wider indications to renal biopsy in elderly population (the data related to resident population showed the greatest prevalence of biopsies in patients 70 to 79 years old). Renal biopsy actually represents a safe examination even in elderly patients. From a technical point of view, on the basis of personal experience, 18 gauge acecut automatic needles seem to be preferred to other kind of devices.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Outcome of dialysis patients submitted to coronary revascularization.

Cardiovascular disease accounts for almost half of the total mortality in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). It has recently been debated whether coronary revascularization has the same rate of risks and successes in this cohort of patients compared to patients without renal disease. Since 1991, 17 dialysis patients were submitted to coronary revascularization in our center. Seven patients were following peritoneal, 10 hemodialytic treatment. Four patients were submitted to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and 13 to surgical revascularization (CABG). In 2 patients the coronary lesion was unique, in the others stenosis of multiple vessels were found. Six patients were diabetic. The mean age at the onset of the coronary artery disease (CAD) was 57.17 +/- 11.6 years. The mean time elapsed from the onset of the CAD and the performance of the PTCA or CABG was 30.1 +/- 35.4 months. The mean time from beginning of dialysis treatment to revascularization was 48.2 +/- 39.6 months. Mean hemoglobin values were 9.7 +/- 1 g/dL, mean phosphorus values were 5.2 +/- 8.7 mg/dL, mean cholesterol values were 211 +/- 49.5 mg/dL. The procedure was technically successful in all patients. Mean survival was 25.09 +/- 28.12 months. Twelve patients died, 5 of whom within one month. Survival at one month was 70.5%, at 6 months 58.8%, at one year 52.9%, at 2 years 47%. There was neither significant difference patients submitted to PTCA and those submitted to CABG, nor between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. In conclusion, coronary revascularization in our experience is a high risk procedure in dialysis patients. The reasons for this could be the severe general conditions of these patients affected with diffuse vasculopathy and the long time elapsed since the onset of the ischemic cardiopathy. Thus, our results could suggest the opportunity of performing earlier screening of coronary situation and revascularization treatment in CAD dialysis patients.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed1993

Soluble interleukin-2 receptors and beta 2-microglobulin in patients with primary glomerulonephritis.

Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptors (IL2R) and of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) were studied with the immunoenzymatic technique in 38 patients with primary glomerulonephritis (GN), in 10 patients with essential hypertension (EH) and in 30 healthy subjects. IL2R correlated with beta 2M (p < 0.05). IL2R and beta 2M were higher in patients with GN (p < 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively) and in patients with EH (p < 0.003, p < 0.01, respectively) than in healthy subjects. IL2R and beta 2M correlated with serum creatinine, but not with proteinuria. Our data would suggest the existence of lymphocyte activation in patients with GN. Only speculations can be advanced with regard to the observed increase in these parameters in EH patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Diabetic patients on dialysis: a changing picture.

Prevalence of diabetic patients on dialysis is often considered a marker of overall acceptance rate for dialysis; however, even when acceptance policy is open, incidence of diabetic patients varies widely. Epidemiological differences of diabetes incidence all over the world partly explain the discrepancies. Incidence of diabetic patients accepted for dialysis (1981 to 82: 6 p.m.p.; 1989 to 90: 11.5 p.m.p.) differs according to age and sex in the setting analyzed (Piedmont, Northern Italian region, about 4,400,000 inhabitants, 20 dialysis centers, open acceptance since the mid-70s, yearly information on 100% of patients, gathered by a Dialysis and Transplantation Registry). Patterns changed remarkably during the 10 years considered (1981 to 90). Incidence was higher in males (10.4 p.m.p. in the period 1981 to 90), with a peak at ages 60 to 69. Incidence remained relatively stable in the younger patients, but increased in the elderly, mainly in males, rising from 6.23 in 1981 to 82 to 12.88 p.m.p. in 1989 to 90 (males, all ages). In conclusion, the demographic characteristics of diabetic patients with ESRD accepted for dialysis is changing. The stability of incidence of younger patients reassures about the open acceptance policy, at least in these ages. The increase in the elderly probably reflects the longer lifespan of diabetic patients in the overall population. The possibility of a hidden preselection must be further assessed. Future provisions of dialysis needs must take into account the trend towards an increase of this high risk, elderly population.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Erythrocyte Na-stimulated Mg transport in uremic patients undergoing CAPD.

A derangement of magnesium homeostasis with hypermagnesemia and increased intraerythrocyte Mg content [Mgi] has been described in uremic patients, and could play a pathogenetic role in both alterations of bone metabolism and vascular reactivity, observed in these patients. Recently Féray and Garay described in human erythrocytes a transport system which catalyzes outward Mg movements in the presence of external Na. These fluxes may be responsible for maintaining and regulating a low [Mgi]. The aim of this study was to evaluate in 16 normal subjects and 14 uremic patients undergoing CAPD: [Mgi] and rate of Na-dependent and Na-independent Mg efflux in Mg-loaded erythrocytes, in order to maximally stimulate Mg efflux. Mean plasma and intraerythrocyte Mg concentrations were significantly higher in CAPD than in normal subjects (1.09 +/- 0.20 vs 0.86 +/- 0.004 mmol/l, p less than 0.001 and 2.57 +/- 0.38 vs 1.96 +/- 0.18 mmol/l RBC, p less than 0.001). After an in-vitro Mg load, the intraerythrocyte Mg concentration and Na-independent Mg efflux were similar in both groups (17.5 +/- 1.4 vs 18.2 +/- 4.1 mmol/l RBC and 152 +/- 20 vs 126 +/- 19 mumol/l RBC/h). However, the Vmax of erythrocyte Na-stimulated Mg efflux was significantly higher in CAPD patients than in normal subjects (357 +/- 48 vs 229 +/- 88 mumol/l RBC/h, p less than 0.02). [Mgi] and the rate of Na-dependent Mg efflux were inversely related in CAPD patients (r = -0.76; p less than 0.002). These results indicate that uremic CAPD patients have a [Mgi] and Vmax of erythrocyte Na-dependent Mg efflux higher than normal subjects; this could reflect a compensatory, although insufficient, mechanism against high levels of intraerythrocyte Mg concentration, as suggested by the correlation between [Mgi] and the rate of Na-dependent Mg efflux.

Biological Transport↗
PubMed1989

CAPD in a large population: a 7-year experience.

In this report we evaluate the results obtained with CAPD in uremic patients in Piedmont, a Northern Italian region (4.4 million inhabitants) during the last 7 years. Data are gathered from the computerized records of the regional dialysis and transplantation registry, which collects information on 3,567 pts, 2,243 of which entered since Jan. 1981 and 1,808 alive at Dec. 1987. Among these, 193 (11%) were on CAPD, a figure almost constant in the last 7 years. However CAPD diffusion is not uniform among the 20 centers of the region, ranging from 0 to 49.5% of the patients on dialysis. CAPD is particularly employed in the elderly (47.5% of the patients being older than 60 years and 19.5% over 70). This treatment was the first choice in 16% of the patients admitted to dialysis between 1981-87; this figure reaches 33% for the diabetics. High drop out rates still represent a major problem, in a 6 year follow up 66% of the patients being transferred to another dialysis treatment. Peritonitis is the main cause of drop out (22%), while loss of peritoneal membrane efficiency accounts for 7%, patient's choice 14%, catheter complications 14%, inability to cope 8%, clinical problems 20% and other reasons 15%. Drop out rate is not influenced by the presence of high risk condition or age. Survival curves show no significant difference for CAPD in comparison to hemodialysis in all the age groups considered. This epidemiological survey, based on a global 522 pts experience extended over a 7 year period, indicates that CAPD is a competitive mode of treatment in chronic uremia.

Acetates↗
PubMed1983

Spontaneous hyphaema from persistent remnant of the pupillary membrane. A case report.

A spontaneous unilateral hyphaema in a 75-year-old woman, due to bleeding from iris vessels, a remnant of the pupillary membrane, was observed. Hyphaema was completely resorbed after 24 h. Fluorescein angiography showed the presence of a blood circulation in the anomalous vessels and a diffusion of fluorescein from saccular dilatations on the inferior vessel.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A solid phase enzyme immunoassay for the measurement of urinary albumin and the detection of microalbuminuria.

A test for the measurement of trace urinary albumin concentrations, which is suitable for the detection of microalbuminuria, was developed. The technique is an indirect enzyme-linked assay (ELISA) in which a fixed amount of anti-albumin antibody is placed into polystyrene tubes coated with human albumin, together with the urine sample to be tested. The albumin in the test specimen competes with the solid-phase albumin for binding to the added antibody. The test is precise (inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation were 8.2% and 7.8%, respectively), accurate (mean recovery 102-106% for two human albumin preparations), and sensitive (detection limit 0.9 micrograms/ml). These characteristics are not dissimilar from those of the radioimmunoassay reported in the literature, with the advantages of being completely safe, easy to perform, and not requiring expensive equipment. Using this assay the urinary albumin excretion in 20 normal subjects was found to be 2.5 +/- 2.2 micrograms/min (range 0.9-7.5 micrograms/min) after 8 hours of bed rest and 4.5 +/- 5.7 micrograms/min (range 1.5-2.0 micrograms/min) after 8 hours of moderate physical activity.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Original three-point fixation technique for sutured posterior chamber intraocular lens.

PURPOSE AND METHODS: In order to avoid the complications associated with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation, the authors have developed an original surgical technique by which the IOL is secured at the ciliary sulcus by suturing the haptics to the sclera in three points (at the 3, 5 and 9 o'clock positions). This technique was utilized for secondary IOL implantation in 21 aphakic eyes. The mean follow-up was 18 months, range 6-28 months. RESULTS: All eyes that underwent secondary implants had equal or better visual acuity postoperatively; none developed serious intra- or postoperative complications. No tilt or decentration of the IOL was observed postoperatively. DISCUSSION: The technique described appeared easy to perform and produced good visual outcomes with stable transscleral fixation of the IOL.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Posterior capsule opacification and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates after implantation of silicone, hydrogel and soft acrylic intraocular lenses: a two-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: To compare the posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy rates associated with three different posterior chamber foldable intraocular lenses (IOL). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the rates of PCO and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in 1150 eyes two years after standard phacoemulsification with a no-stitch 3.5mm clear corneal incision (CCI) and in-the-bag implantation of one of three types of IOL: 190 eyes received a one-piece round-edged hydrogel IOL (Hydroview H60M, Bausch & Lomb); 475 eyes a three-piece round-edged silicone IOL (AMO PhacoFlex SI-40NB, Allergan); 485 eyes a three-piece square-edged soft acrylic lens (AcrySof MA60MA, Alcon). RESULTS: The PCO and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates were respectively 43.15% and 20.5% in the Hydroview H60M group, 27.57% and 9.68% in the AMO PhacoFlex SI-40NB group, 10.5% and 2.47% in the AcrySof MA60MA group. CONCLUSIONS: PCO and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates were significantly higher in the Hydroview H60M group and significantly lower with the AcrySof MA60MA lenses, which combine a bioactive constitutive material with the square-edged optic design.

Acrylates↗