Biomedical subjects

G Gioia

Publications and source records attributed to G Gioia.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1988

[Frontal and sagittal reconstruction of idiopathic scoliotic curves treated by the Cotrel-Dubousset operation].

The results of correction of 47 thoracic and thoracolumbar scolioses treated by Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation were analysed in the frontal and sagittal planes. The curves were of moderate degree and were flexible. Three groups were defined, based on the lateral angulation: A - Frankly lordotic : less than 10 degrees of kyphosis B - Midly lordotic : between 10 degrees and 20 degrees of kyphosis C - Near to normal : greater than 20 degrees of kyphosis. In the 3 groups, the Cotrel-Dubousset technique produced a constant improvement in the lateral views, becoming completely normal in groups B and C and approaching normality in group A. In the frontal plane, the correction was 69 per cent in group A, 64 per cent in group B and 58 per cent in group C. After a mean follow-up of 2 years, the post-operative loss of correction never exceeded 2 per cent. This initial study confirms the effectiveness of the CD system in the three-dimensional approach to the correction of thoracic and thoracolumbar curves.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

Simplified identification of bacteria belonging to the genus Salmonella.

A new, simplified procedure for identification of bacteria belonging to the genus Salmonella is reported. By this procedure which is a new combination of well know tests, Salmonella spp. are easily and reproducibly differentiated from non Salmonella spp. after 6 h of incubation at 37 degrees C.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

PubMed1987

Treatment of adolescent scoliosis by the Cotrel-Dubousset method.

The new Cotrel-Dubousset segmental instrumentation systems allows the surgeon to correct scoliotic deformity in all three planes as well as providing such solid fixation that the use of external postoperative immobilisation is eliminated. The authors discuss the main theoretical concepts as well as its method of application.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1979

[Frequency and antibiotic resistance of bacteria isolated from urine cultures].

The AA report the data pertinent to the urine culture performed during a year in the Sanitary and Prophylactic Laboratory of the district of L'Aquila. In urine samples with number of bacteria > 10(5)/ml have been found E. coli (49%), Proteus mirabilis (32%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12%), Staphylococcus aureus (5%), Proteus rettgeri (1%), Enterococco (1%). The data are also reported concerning germ resistance to several antibiotics.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prognostic value of tomographic rest-redistribution thallium 201 imaging in medically treated patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies show that rest-redistribution thallium imaging is useful in the assessment of myocardial viability. The impact of such studies on patient outcome is not well defined. This study examined the prognostic value of tomographic rest-redistribution 201T1 imaging in 81 medically treated patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rest-redistribution single-photon emission computed tomographic images were obtained and analyzed quantitatively. The segmental thallium uptake (20 segments per patient) was interpreted as normal, reversible defect, mild to moderate fixed defect, or severe fixed defect. The thallium images were abnormal in 80 patients, with no redistribution (no ischemia) in 43 patients and redistribution (ischemia) in 38 patients. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 27% +/- 8% in patients with no redistribution and 26% +/- 7% in patients with redistribution (difference not significant). In patients with no ischemia, there were 7 +/- 5 severe fixed defects and 5 +/- 4 mild to moderate fixed defects per patient. In patients with ischemia there were 7 +/- 4 reversible defects, 3 +/- 3 mild to moderate fixed defects, and 5 +/- 4 severe fixed defects per patient. The number of any abnormal segments was 11 +/- 5 in patients with no ischemia and 14 +/- 4 in patients with ischemia (p = 0.03). During a mean follow-up of 31 +/- 24 months, there were 11 cardiac deaths in patients with no ischemia (26%) and 22 in patients with ischemia (58%); the survival rate was worse in patients with than without ischemia (p < 0.05). Multivariate Cox survival analysis on important clinical, angiographic, and thallium variables showed that the presence of redistribution was an independent predictor of death (x2 = 5; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with left ventricular dysfunction and redistribution on rest thallium imaging, a marker of hibernating myocardium, have a higher mortality rate with medical therapy than do patients with a comparable degree of left ventricular dysfunction but with fixed defects only. Thus observations similar to those made with positron emission tomography can be made in a much more straightforward, simple, and probably cost-effective manner with single-photon emission computed tomography.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A cost-effective sestamibi protocol in the managed health care era.

BACKGROUND: In the managed health care era a need exists to lower the cost of diagnostic tests for coronary artery disease. One possible approach is to eliminate the rest study in the conventional stress-rest perfusion imaging protocol with single photon emission computed tomography. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency with which single stress single photon emission computed tomography acquisition can be used to diagnose disease in normal patients compared with dual stress-rest protocol. STUDY GROUP: Two hundred patients without history of myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, valvular disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, or left bundle branch block undergoing 1-day (n = 86) or 2-day (n = 114) stress-rest sestamibi imaging were studied. The stress was exercise in 147 patients and pharmacologic in 53 patients. RESULTS: On the basis of the stress study, 112 patients had normal images, and 88 patients had abnormal images. On the basis of the combined stress-rest images, 131 patients had normal images, and 69 patients had abnormal images (agreement 85%, kappa 0.68 +/- 0.05). Only 6 (5%) of the 112 patients with normal images based on the stress images were considered to have abnormal images by the combined stress and rest images. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with normal stress images elimination of the rest study rarely alters interpretation. Rest studies are most useful in patients with abnormal or equivocal stress images. Such selective elimination of the rest studies may decrease the cost of nuclear procedures and should be considered in the current managed care health system.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Statins: from hypocholesteremic drugs to antiatherogenic agents].

Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. They reduce LDL levels more than other lipid-lowering drugs. Moreover, they are effective in raising HDL and even in reducing triglyceride levels. Statins have an excellent tolerability and safety. Clinical trials in patients with and without ischemic heart disease and with and without high cholesterol levels have demonstrated that statins significantly reduce the relative risk of major coronary events and of total mortality. Other mechanisms independent of LDL lowering may play an important role in the clinical benefits conferred by these drugs and may broaden their therapeutic indications from lipid-lowering to antiatherogenic agents.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗