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Biomedical subjects

L Casali

Publications and source records attributed to L Casali.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Chronic respiratory symptoms, bronchial responsiveness and dietary sodium and potassium: a population-based study.

A possible relationship between Na+ intake and increased prevalence and mortality from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been suggested but not clearly proven for several reasons (difficulty in assessing Na+ and K+ both by 24 h excretion and dietary recall, too small an effect of these ions on the pathology, and the role of potential confounders). We wanted to determine the relationship of Na+ and K+ intake, assessed by means of a 7 day recall, with chronic respiratory symptoms and bronchial responsiveness in a sample of the general population. Two hundred and five subjects were studied, with complete dietary and respiratory questionnaires, and baseline respiratory function tests, together with a subsample of 146 subjects who underwent histamine challenge. The 7 day recall consisted of two parts: the first assessed discretionary Na+; and the second assessed Na+ and K+ contained in food. The whole sample was split into two groups based on the levels of consumption, and the statistical analysis was performed contrasting the three lower quartiles vs the highest. Smoking habit, social economic status, age and body mass index (BMI) were not confounders for Na+ and K+ intake. The prevalence of symptomatic subjects and baseline respiratory function values were not significantly different in the two groups of quartiles for Na+ and K+. Baseline respiratory values and dose-response slope of the subsample were also not significantly different. We did not prove a relationship between these dietary factors and either bronchial responsiveness or chronic respiratory symptoms. Although we consider that our questionnaire is more reliable than other methods for Na+ and K+ assessment, several potential biases still remain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Reference values of maximal respiratory mouth pressures: a population-based study.

The aim of our study was to measure values of maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) mouth pressures in 625 (266 male, 359 female) clinically and functionally normal subjects drawn out of a sample representative of the general population. MEP (near TLC and FRC) was found to be significantly higher when compared with MIP (near RV and FRC), and pressures in male subjects were significantly higher than those in female subjects. MEP values at TLC and FRC were found to be closely related, as were values of MIP near RV and near FRC. Among the tested body-size variables, body surface area (BSA) for all parameters had the highest degree of correlation. Stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to define the equation of normality for all four parameters, employing BSA, sex, age, and relative interaction terms. R2 values, although the variables employed for the equations were highly significant, were relatively low and didn't fully explain the source of variability. The influence of age was smaller than the influence of BSA, although age did reduce the unexplained variance in MEP and MIP. These results confirm that the most useful employment of MIP and MEP is to monitor their changes in each patient, but they point out, however, the usefulness of reliable reference equations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Effects of celiprolol on the bronchial reactivity in asthma.

In 10 patients with bronchial asthma but normal ventilatory function, celiprolol, a cardioselective beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist, did not significantly affect forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) or airways resistance (Raw). In contrast, metoprolol substantially reduced FEV1 and increased Raw. In addition, compared with metoprolol, celiprolol induced a greater recovery of FEV1 and Raw after methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1988

A comparison of the bronchodilator effects of broxaterol and salbutamol.

In 12 adult patients with reversible bronchospasm (7 bronchial asthma and 5 chronic obstructive bronchitis) the bronchodilator activity and tolerability of 200 and 400 mcg of broxaterol hydrochloride (Z 1170) were compared to those of 200 mcg of salbutamol administered by metered-dose inhaler. A single dose of the drugs was compared in a double-blind balanced latin square cross-over design. FEV1, FVC, MMEF, MEF25, heart rate and blood pressure were measured just before and 7.5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after each treatment. At these times clinical evaluation was also carried out to ascertain the presence of side effects. In the doses employed, broxaterol and salbutamol caused significant increases over baseline FEV1, MMEF and MEF25 from 7.5 to 240 min and FVC from 7.5 to 120 min. The difference between the effects of the two doses of broxaterol on FVC, MMEF and MEF25 was significant at 15 min. No significant difference was observed in the activity curves of 400 mcg of broxaterol and salbutamol. The effects of salbutamol were significantly greater than those of 200 mcg of broxaterol on FEV1 at 7.5 and 15 min and on FVC, MMEF and MEF25 at 15 min. All three treatments were well tolerated. No significant changes were observed in heart rate or blood pressure and tremors were not reported in any patient.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1985

Multicentre clinical and bacteriological study of sulbenicillin in patients with bronchopulmonary infection.

In view of the pharmacodynamic and therapeutic properties of a broad-spectrum semisynthetic penicillin recently introduced in Italy, namely sulbenicillin, the authors conducted a multicentre clinical and bacteriological trial of the drug administered by intramuscular or intravenous injection in daily doses of 4, 6 or 8 g given in two or three administrations daily to a group of 66 patients with acute bronchopulmonary infection, mainly exacerbation of chronic infection, hospitalized in four Pneumology Centres of Sardinia. The authors assessed clinical, radiological, microbiological, and biohumoral parameters before and after treatment to provide a basis for assessing test product effectiveness and tolerability. On the strength of their findings, the authors concluded that the clinical and bacteriological activity of sulbenicillin was satisfactory and its local and general tolerability was excellent. The assembled findings indicate that the new antibiotic molecule can be used to advantage in the treatment of nontubercular bronchopulmonary infections, including severe or otherwise "difficult" cases, providing that the drug is administered at adequate dosages and for sufficiently long treatment periods.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Double-blind clinical trial of domiodol vs S-carboxymethylcysteine in chronic obstructive lung disease.

The results of a double-blind trial on the clinical and functional effects induced by domiodol and S-carboxymethylcysteine (SCMC) on 40 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease are discussed. Although the therapeutic effects of the two drugs showed no statistical differences both substances had a positive effect on all patients. In general domiodol took effect more rapidly, a feature that is often very convenient.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Effect of (dl) 3,7-dihydro-1,8-dimethyl-3-(2-methylbutyl)-1H-purine-2,6-dione on exercise-induced bronchospasm.

The authors studied the clinical activity of a synthetic theophylline derivative, (dl)-dihydro-1,8-dimethyl-1-3-(-2-methyl-butyl)-1 H-purine-2,6 dione, both after short-term treatment and in prevention of Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA). The action of the new compound at two dosages was compared with that of anhydrous theophylline at a standard dose of 600 mg/day. The trial included 15 asthmatics, 11 males and 4 females, who showed EIA with reversible bronchospasm (improvement of at least 15% of FEV1 after administration of salbutamol at a dose of 200 mcg by means of a predosed aerosol). Asthma had been provoked by free running on a flat surface. The test was considered positive if the FEV1 was reduced at least by 20% compared with baseline level. Only 11 patients completed the protocol. In four cases the treatment had to be withdrawn due to the onset of adverse side effects. After 3 days of treatment, the drug caused a statistically significant improvement of FEV1 in comparison with baseline, but no difference from that caused by theophylline. Likewise no significant difference was noted between low and high doses of the tested drug. As regards the behavior of EIA under treatment, in 8 of 14 patients theophylline and the investigational drug proved equally effective. Two patients were protected only by theophylline, one only by the investigational drug, and three failed to be protected by either agent. The higher dose of the investigational drug protected against EIA in all the subjects protected by theophylline with one exception. Of the two doses tested, the lower one should be preferred since it has the same therapeutic effect without the most important side effects.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

A comparison between different methods for detecting bronchial hyperreactivity. Bronchial hyperreactivity: methods of study.

The authors evaluated bronchial hyperreactivity comparing two different methods for aspecific bronchostimulation (H2O ultrasonic mist and free running) and a bronchodilation test. The investigation had been carried out on three groups of subjects. The first included 15 nonsmoking normal subjects, the second 23 asthmatic patients and the third 16 rhinitic patients. All subjects were submitted to bronchodynamic tests in three different ways. The ventilatory parameters were FVC, FEV1, MMEF and Vmax25. In normal subjects no significant changes were found. In asthmatic patients the bronchodilation test was positive in 65% of the cases, regarding FEV1 and in 87% regarding the forced flows. The running test was positive in 26% of the cases (FEV1) and in 61% of the cases (forced flows). The ultrasonic mist caused a significant drop in FEV1 in 17% of the cases, while flows were significantly reduced in 30% of the cases. In rhinitic patients the bronchodilation test was positive in 25% of the cases both considering FEV1 and forced expiratory flows. Ultrasonic mist never induced a decrease of FEV1, while flows decreased in 12.5% of the cases. The free running test was positive in 12% of the cases regarding FEV1 and in 25% regarding forced flows.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Clinical efficacy trial: theophylline vs (dl) 3,7-dihydro-1,8-dimethyl-3-(2-methylbutyl)-1H-purine-2,6-dione.

The authors give a synopsis of the results of a clinical efficacy trial involving a comparison of a new synthetic xanthine derivative (CK 0383) and theophylline, with emphasis on the prevention of exercise-induced asthma (EIA) by both theophylline and the new drug. Although the results are quite preliminary, being based on only five cases, the authors are continuing this study due to findings that show CK 0383 has a good bronchodilating activity without any important side effects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

[Effect of an adrenergic-parasympatholytic aerosol combination on the respiratory function].

The ventilatory and cardiocirculatory effects of salbutamol-ipratropium aerosol were examined in 27 subjects with bronchial obstruction. The activity of the association was compared with that of the two components at therapeutic doses. Then the effects and possible side-effects of the association were assessed at increasing doses. Lastly, the association was compared with its components. The association had the same latency time, but a more prolonged effect (still effective after 120'), when compared with salbutamol. It was decidedly superior to the parasympatholytic. No side-effects of any kind were observed.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1979

Clinical pharmacology of a combination of bronchodilators.

27 hospitalized patients (15 suffering from chronic bronchitis with evident bronchospasm and 12 with extrinsic asthma) were evaluated with regard to the bronchodilating effects of a Salbutamol + Ipratropium Bromide combination administered by aerosol. For comparison, the bronchial spasmolytic effectiveness of both drugs administered separately at therapeutic doses was also evaluated. Subsequently, the activity of increasing doses of the combination was studied, with particular regard to possible side-effects. The pharmacological combination studied exerted a strong bronchodilating activity, independently of dose increase, both in asthmatic and in bronchitic patients. No side-effects were observed.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1978

[Functional diagnosis of bronchospasm].

The main theories concerning the pathogenesis of bronchospasm are cited and reference on is made to the part played by the respiratory physiopathology laboratory with respect to past or present patients with this symptom. Attention is then directed to the action of bronchodilatatory substances in the resolution of a proven state of bronchospasm. Administration modalities, techniques, parameters, and percent improvements considered as significant in the light of the literature data and personal experience are illustrated. Bronchoprovocation tests are briefly reviewed. These are divided into aspecific and specific, according to the mediator employed. The first group involve the action of distilled water, physical effort, F2alpha prostaglandins, acetylcholine, and propranolol. The second, which are much more delicate, less certain in their meaning, and not entirely risk-free, offer information of a general nature and impose the need for due care in their practical application.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMed1977

[Unequal ventilation: phenomenon of trapped helium].

The results of preliminary research designed to prepare a method for using mouth measurements to identify alveolar air trapping phenomena which cannot be detected by normal techniques are reported. With a present rapid thermoconductivity CO2/He analyser, it was shown that even after the completion of a standard He wash-out process, it is possible to reveal the persistence in the expiratory air of bronchiolostenotic patients of residual traces of inert gases alongside CO2 originating from normally ventilating sectors. The information obtained from the mouths of patients corresponds with the results of measurements taken inside the lung. Finally it is shown that with adequate therapy the trapping phenomenon may be reversed.

Asthma↗
PubMed1977

Psychotropic drugs: influence on respiratory function.

The authors investigated, in 22 normal subjects and 22 bronchopneumopathic patients, the action of two anxiolytic drugs on ventilatory function and on the associated respiratory function. The analyses carried out before drug administration and 1, 2, 6 hours later showed that while a drug did not cause any important variation in the ventilatory parameters and O2 uptake, both in healthy subjects and in patients, the second one clearly reduced the ventilatory efficacy and O2 uptake. This behavior was quite evident 1 and 2 hours after the assumption of the drug while after 6 hours the parameters returned to the initial values. The influence of the circadian rhythm after 6 hours was more evident in both groups after the assumption of the second anxyolitic drug than with the first. Furthermore, evaluation drawn up among the healthy subjects, during simulated driving tests, demonstrated that the second anxyolytic drug provoked a standard depression unevenly distributed like that obtained after the ingestion of a fixed dose of an alcoholic drink.

Bronchopneumonia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cefaclor advanced formulation versus cefaclor in the treatment of pneumonia.

The use of cefaclor advanced formulation (cefaclor AF) in the treatment of pneumonia caused by susceptible organisms was investigated in a multi-center trial conducted in the United Kingdom and the United States. A total of 266 patients were enrolled in this double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, parallel study; 132 patients were treated with cefaclor AF and 134 patients received the reference drug cefaclor. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of lobar pneumonia or bronchopneumonia, with a positive sputum culture and an infiltrate on chest roentgenogram. Patients received either cefaclor AF (750 mg twice daily) or cefaclor (500 mg three times daily) for 10 to 14 days. Forty patients in the cefaclor AF group and 45 in the cefaclor group were evaluable for efficacy, with 37 (92.5%) and 43 (95.6%), respectively, showing a favorable posttherapy clinical response. Proven or presumed pathogen elimination was achieved in 87.5% and 86.7% of cases, respectively. Both study drugs demonstrated high levels of activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), and Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains). There were no statistically significant differences between drugs in efficacy results. One or more side effects were reported by 42.4% of the patients treated with cefaclor AF and by 44.0% of those treated with cefaclor; diarrhea, nausea, headache, and respiratory disorders were the most common adverse events. No drug-related side effects were seen with a frequency or severity that would be unexpected with the use of oral cephalosporins. Cefaclor AF and cefaclor performed equally well with respect to clinical and bacteriologic response rates in the treatment of pneumonia.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Therapeutic efficacy and general tolerability of 4-carbomethoxythiazolidine chlorohydrate in combination with antibiotic and bronchoactive therapy in adult patients with acute and chronic bronchopneumopathy with prevalent exudative component].

20 patients, aged between 31 and 71, have been treated. All were hospitalized because of acute or chronic broncho-pneumopathy and have been administered 4-carbomethoxythiazolidine at a dosage of 300 mg/d. in association with the common antibiotic or chemiotherapic treatments. Every day all symptoms have been registered (asthenia, cephalea, sibiluses, rhoncuses, rales, inspiratory and expiratory dyspnea). Before and after the treatment some respiratory functioning tests have been performed, including the VEMS and VEMS/CV determination. A further study on the distribution of the inhaled air has been carried out, as well as on the ventilation/perfusion ratio by means of He and CO2 curves. At the beginning and at the end of the TMC treatment some hematiobiologic tests have been carried out, including: haemochromo with leukocytic formula, blood platelets counting, VES, glycemia, azotemia, transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubinaemia, prothrombinic activity and determination of urine's specific weight. The pulmonary symptomatology (cough, sibiluses, rhoncuses, rates, inspiratory and expiratory dyspnea), was markedly reduced. Even if, as for the preliminary character of the experiment, we can state that 4-carbomethoxythiazolidine is a drug with an outstanding level of tolerance.

Adult↗