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Biomedical subjects

G Casucci

Publications and source records attributed to G Casucci.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Adrenomyeloneuropathy and hypothyroidism. A 15 year follow-up case report.

A case of adrenomyeloneuropathy with diffuse focal demyelination throughout the entire central nervous system, is described in a 29 years old, an adult male, who developed Addison's disease at 14 years of age. Since the age of 23 he has been affected by a progressive spastic paraparesis of the inferior limbs associated with urine incontinence. In the last two years reduced cerebral function, peripheral neuropathy, impotence, primary hypothyroidism and high levels of VLCFA plasma concentration have appeared.

Adrenoleukodystrophy

Computer analysis of saccadic eye movements: assessment of two different carbamazepine formulations.

The central effects of two different formulations of Carbamazepine (CBZ) have been examined by analysis of saccadic eye movements (SEM) in 6 healthy volunteers, who took part in a double-blind, latin-square, placebo controlled study. Both a conventional- and a controlled-release formulation of CBZ produced a significant effect on peak saccadic velocity and saccade accuracy, but only the former affected saccade latency. Computer analysis of SEM confirmed it to be a highly sensitive method for detection of subclinical drug effects on the CNS.

Adult

The contribution of saccadic eye movements analysis, visual and auditory evoked responses to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

A number of tests have been used to identify paraclinical evidences of central nervous system (CNS) lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study was aimed to test and compare the diagnostic value of saccadic eye movements (SEM) analysis, and visual and auditory brain stem evoked responses (VER, ABER) in MS, and to study the correlation between electrophysiologic findings and clinical data. The reference group for epidemiological and statistical analysis was selected from the group of 109 suspected MS patients included in the study. SEM analysis resulted at least as sensitive as VER and ABER. SEM analysis showed good sensitivity and positive predictive value. Saccade latency resulted the most sensitive SEM parameter. Subclinical internuclear ophthalmoparesis resulted highly specific. We suggest that SEM analysis could be included into the electrophysiologic tests for identifying paraclinical evidences of CNS lesions in MS. Correlations between electrophysiologic findings and clinical data are discussed.

Adolescent

Neuroocular side effects of carbamazepine and phenobarbital in epileptic patients as measured by saccadic eye movements analysis.

The effect of carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenobarbital (PB), alone and in association, on the function of specific brain structures was studied in chronically treated epileptic patients by means of saccadic eye movements (SEMs) analysis. The relationship between daily fluctuations of CBZ plasma levels and the occurrence of intermittent side effects was also evaluated. All treatments produced a significant impairment (p less than 0.001) of SEM function as compared with a group of controls. SEM abnormalities appeared to change in relation to daily fluctuation of CBZ plasma levels. When the SEM parameters were considered separately, PB showed a significantly (p less than 0.001) more relevant sedative effect, whereas both drugs appear to produce the same effect on cerebellar and pontine functions. Although impairment of SEM function was most likely far from reaching clinical significance, it represents important information for the clinician.

Adult

Acute effect of flunarizine on saccadic eye movements.

It has been postulated that flunarizine (FNZ) acts on the brain through a stabilizing effect on membrane electrical activity of neurones. It has been also suggested that neurogenic events characterized by an increased tendency of nerve cells to fire, could be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine and epilepsy. The study was aimed to assess the effect of a single oral dose of FNZ (20 mg) on CNS specific functions by means of computer analysis of saccadic eye movements. The study was performed on six healthy volunteers according to a double-blind, cross-over, placebo controlled design. FNZ produced a significant reduction only of peak saccadic velocity, thus suggesting a rather specific and selective effect on the burst cells of the para-median pontine reticular formation.

Adult

Age-dependent changes in visually guided saccadic eye movements.

Voluntary horizontal saccadic eye movements (SEM) were recorded in 148 drug free healthy subjects (15-75 years of age). None had history and/or objective evidences of CNS abnormalities. SEM recordings took place always at the same time of the day, after a standard lunch. Peak saccadic velocity (PSV), saccade latency (SL) and saccade accuracy (SA) were extracted for each saccade session. A negative linear correlation was found between SEM parameters (PSV, SA, SL) and age. Aged subjects showed a significant (p less than 0.01) elongation of the to locate the target, a significant (p less than 0.01) decrease in PSV and a significant (p less than 0.01) decrement in SA.

Adolescent