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Biomedical subjects

G Mengarda

Publications and source records attributed to G Mengarda.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Celiac disease in two different population groups of South Tirol.

The expression of celiac disease is assumed to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Our study investigated the prevalence and HLA type in two different ethnic groups: a German group and an Italian group living in South Tirol. Intermarriages are rare between these population groups. The live birth rate during 1973-1982 (10 years) was 42,739 for the German group and 14,874 for the Italian group. Fifty people with celiac disease, born during this period, were diagnosed according to the ESPGAN criteria: 45 were German and five were Italian. The incidence in the German group was 105 per 100,000, and 33 per 100,000 in the Italian group. HLA typing was performed in 40 patients, and in 50 German and 50 Italian controls. Of the patients with celiac disease, 43% were positive for HLA B8, 85% for DR3, and 66% for DR7. Although lower, no difference was found in the expression of HLA B8, DR3, and DR7 in the Italian and German controls. The data presented here strongly suggest that there is little association between the incidence of the disease and HLA type in the two ethnic populations. However, from preliminary data, it is postulated that the age of the infant when gluten is added to its diet will affect the incidence of celiac disease.

Celiac Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Bone density in swimmers].

Bone mineral density of the non-dominant forearm was measured by single-photon absorptiometry at a proximal site (PBMD) and at a more distal site (DBMC) in 9 competitive male swimmers, aged 18 to 23 years, who had been training for 12 +/- 2 years, 10.3 +/- 5.6 hours a week. The results were compared with 25 age-matched controls. PBMD was m +/- SD 0.57 +/- 0.02 g/cm2 in the swimmers and 0.57 +/- 0.05 g/cm2 in the controls. DBMD was 0.45 +/- 0.02 g/cm2 in the swimmers and 0.45 +/- 0.03 g/cm2 in the controls. No difference was found between the two groups. We can therefore conclude that swimming, in absence of gravity, didn't provide our athletes with an effective mechanical load capable to increase bone density of the forearm.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Prostacyclin in the treatment of persistent fetal circulation syndrome].

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (PPHN), described initially by Gersony in 1969 as persistent foetal circulation (PFC syndrome), results from a flawed transition from foetal to extrauterine pulmonary circulation. It is primarily characterised by persistence of, or return to, the suprasystemic pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure normally found in the foetus. The increased pulmonary pressure causes right to left shunting through the ductus arteriosus or the foramen ovale, or both. The resulting hypoxaemia and acidosis may produce further pulmonary vasoconstriction and lead to a vicious cycle of shunting, hypoxia and acidosis. Infants with a wide variety of underlying clinical conditions develop PPHN. This condition is reversible, but can cause very severe and unrelenting respiratory failure and ultimate death when uncontrolled. Although vasodilating agents, such as tolazoline, have been used with variable success in the treatment of PPHN, a generally acceptable therapy is still lacking. We report here the use of prostacyclin (epoprostenol, PGI2) in two infants with severe and refractory hypoxaemia secondary to pulmonary vasoconstriction.

Epoprostenol↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Monitoring the treatment of precocious puberty with a GnRH-analog (buserelin): comparison of the GnRH-test with nocturnal pulsatility of LH, testosterone and 17-beta-estradiol].

We studied in 10 children (3 boys and 7 girls), affected by precocious puberty and treated for a period of more than 6 months with the GnRH-analog Buserelin, the efficacy of the GnRH test versus the study of spontaneous nocturnal secretion of LH, testosterone and 17 beta-estradiol as a means of testing the gonadotropin suppression. All the subjects have shown a total suppression of LH during the GnRH test as well as a nocturnal profile of LH, testosterone and 17 beta-estradiol of a prepubertal pattern. Clinically all the patients were treated successfully. Considering the effectiveness of both investigations, we conclude that the GnRH test combined with clinical observation is a single and valid means of testing the pharmacological treatment for precocious puberty.

Buserelin↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Tendency to low T3 syndrome in type 1 juvenile diabetes. Comparison of treatment with human and porcine insulin].

We investigated the serum thyroid hormones an the degree of diabetic control in 30 children and adolescents suffering from type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes, first while they were being treated with porcine insulin (group A) and then while 23 of them, random selected, were being treated with human insulin (group C). The purpose of our study was to evaluate if the change to human insulin would result in better metabolic control and disappearance of the tendency to the low T3 syndrome that was evidenced in group A. If we compare group A with group C, it can be seen that the degree of diabetic control is higher in group C (decrease in HbA1C), but that the tendency to the low T3 syndrome has not disappeared. Then we selected inside the groups A and C the patients in good metabolic control, and called them respectively group B and group D. If we compare group B with group D it can be seen that there is not any significant difference at all between them and that both groups show a tendency to the low T3 syndrome if compared with the control group (group K). In conclusion, we may state that substituting porcine with human insulin has not brought about any significant metabolic improvement in our patients, as can be seen from the persistent tendency to the low T3 syndrome.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Leri-Weill syndrome (dyschondrosteosis). Description of 2 clinical cases].

We describe two children with Leri-Weill syndrome (Dyschondrosteosis), one of which showed the clinical features at very early age. Stature was moderately reduced in both, due to shortening of the bones of the legs. Furthermore were evident in them the clinical and radiological features of the propositus and of their affected parents are described. The problems concerning the early recognizing of the disease and the genetic inheritance are discussed.

Anthropometry↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Neonatal hepatitis in a case of Gaucher's disease in its acute infantile form].

There is described a case of Gaucher's disease in its acute infantile form, interesting for the initial symptomatology marked by a hepatitic similarity, which has got manifest, already during the first days of life. A splenic and hepatic biopsy made at the age of about six months showed clearly the presence of cells with the characteristics of Gaucher's cells. A sure diagnosis was made at seven months through the determination of beta-glucosidase on the fibroblasts after the skin-biopsy. The patient died at the age of 14 months during an apnoic crisis.

Biopsy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[A case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy with digestive symptoms and severe growth retardation].

A case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy in an infant presenting with recurrent vomiting and severe failure to thrive is described. Only very few cases of this syndrome have been reported in the italian literature in comparison to those described in the Anglo-Saxon countries. The factitious symptoms and signs fabricated or induced by parents lead to unnecessary medical investigation, hospital admissions and treatment. The Authors emphasize the difficulties in reaching a diagnosis and the risks of this potentially very dangerous behaviour in terms of morbidity and mortality. Since only one third of parents recover following psychotherapy, the offending parent should be sometimes separated from the child and promptly reported and closely supervised by the legal Authorities. Bizarre and otherwise peculiar, unexplained symptoms should always suggest the possibility of the Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

Child Abuse↗