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Biomedical subjects

G Lamedica

Publications and source records attributed to G Lamedica.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

[Spectrum analysis of the r-r interval using a PC].

Spectral analysis of r-r variability has been recently proposed as a clinical tool to assess the autonomic nervous system function. In this article we present the results obtained using an equipment and an analysis software (based on Maximum Entropy Method) developed in our laboratory. Analyzing the tachograms derived from prolonged ECG registrations of 12 young healthy subjects, 24 to 36 years old (mean 31 +/- 4), we observed the two classic components of the signal: a low frequency component (0.7 +/- 0.2 Hz) and a high frequency component (0.21 +/- 16.6 Hz). As expected, standing, a simple manoeuvre augmenting sympathetic activity, caused a stronger predominance of the low frequency component. We conclude that our method is reliable to evaluate, by means of spectral analysis, rhythmical oscillations of r-r variability.

Adult

Salicylic acid disposition in children with rheumatoid arthritis.

The plasma level profile of SA and SUA after a single oral dose of ASA was studied in 8 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, aged 3.5-15.0 years. Pharmacokinetic parameters were on average similar to those reported in the literature for adult subjects, although a somewhat larger intersubject variability was found.

Adolescent

A new glucose clamp algorithm: clinical validation.

A new glucose clamp technique for in vivo studies of insulin sensitivity was validated clinically. Eighteen patients (10 males, 8 females, age 35-80 years, body mass index 34.6-17.04) were connected to a computer-assisted artificial pancreas "Betalike R", using a new algorithm based on a "minimal model", to carry out the glucose clamp technique automatically and especially to overcome the well-known problems of its priming phase. We performed the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp in four patients and the hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp in 14. In one patient both clamps were done. The mean priming time to reach steady-state glycemia was 20 min. Plasma insulin concentrations were measured every 20 min. This new automatic glucose clamp technique enables the priming phase to be run without any significant overshoot, and accidental variations of glycemia in steady state were reduced to a minimum. The system showed satisfactory safety and stability in controlling the patient's glycemia and assured high speed of the priming phase.

Adult

[Evaluation of the characteristics and performance of an automatic sphygmomanometer (Omega 1400)].

24 hour pressure monitoring is a newly developing technique potentially yielding important informations in hypertensive patients. Numerous automated devices are available whose performance characteristics are poorly documented. To evaluate an automated sphygmomanometer commonly used in our Division (Omega 1400, Invivo Research Laboratories), we performed a series of measurements, simultaneously recording blood pressure in the opposite arm with a common sphygmomanometer. Each measure was then repeated reversing the position of the two devices (manual and automated), thus abolishing possible differences between the two arms. We observed a mean underestimation of 1.90 mmHg of systolic pressure and of 4.82 mmHg of diastolic blood pressure by the automated device. We conclude that the device by us evaluated is not advisable in the basal blood pressure evaluation, but useful in monitoring inpatients.

Automation

[Blood pressure monitoring during hospital convalescence].

Blood pressure ambulatory monitoring has provided numerous and interesting informations on the clinical as well as investigational setting of arterial hypertension. The vast majority of data have been obtained registering blood pressure during the normal daily activities of the patients and surprisingly few studies have been undertaken to evaluate blood pressure behaviour in inpatients. We observed the 24 hours pattern of blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive inpatients, using an automated sphygmomanometer (Omega 1400), whose performance was previously evaluated by us. The results demonstrate that blood pressure monitoring in inpatients could be a useful tool in managing hypertensive patients.

Adult

Peptichemio in advanced neuroblastoma.

Peptichemio (PTC) is a mixture of six synthetic peptides of m-L-phenylalanine mustard. It acts with both alkylating and antimetabolic effects, interfering with the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. PTC was administered iv to 18 previously untreated children with advanced neuroblastoma at a dose of 1-1.5 mg/kg/day for one to three cycles of 5-6 consecutive days each. Eleven of 12 patients (92%) experienced both objective and subjective improvement; complete remission was achieved in two of them. In spite of the high remission rate, the median duration of remission has been short (4 months) and the overall survival (median, 6 months) did not seem to be influenced by the use of PTC. The primary toxic effects were, in order of importance, bone marrow depression, phlebosclerosis, nausea and vomiting, and alopecia. Chronic use of PTC seems limited by two major factors: profound long-lasting thrombocytopenia and severe phlebosclerosis.

Child

[Cerebrospinal fluid metabolism of biogenic amines in Huntington chorea].

CSF metabolites of dopamine (HVA), norepinephrine (MHPG) and serotonine (5HIAA) in 9 patients affected by Huntington's Chorea before and after therapy with phenotiazine derivatives (Fluphenazine) have been studied. A close relationship seems to exist between therapeutical results and CSF HVA modifications: improvement of choreatic movements is associated with marked increase in CSF HVA values. Biochemical bases of Huntington's Chorea are discussed.

Adult