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Biomedical subjects

M Ronconi

Publications and source records attributed to M Ronconi.

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

Is there an association between Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin Cag A seropositivity and risk for gastric cancer?

BACKGROUND: Since discovered in 1990, Cag A, a protein expressed by specific strains of Helicobacter pylori, was thought able to explain why only a few Helicobacter infected patients develop peptic diseases and gastric cancer. However, clinical trials provide discordant results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study we evaluate Helicobacter pylori and Cag A seropositivity in 35 cancer affected patients, in 36 gastritis affected patients and in 40 healthy blood donors by means of two commercially available fluorescence enzyme-immunoessay (ELISA). RESULTS: Odds ratios determination strongly suggests that Cag A bearer Helicobacter strains play a pathogenetic role in gastric diseases (OR 4.23, 95% CI 3.22-5.24 for cancer versus healthy volunteers, OR 3.2, 95% CI 2.19-4.21 for gastritis versus asymptomatic patients), but is unable to demonstrate a direct carcinogenic activity (cancer-gastritis difference is not significant: OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.39-1.25). CONCLUSIONS: Cag A seropositivity can be considered a risk factor for peptic disease, and only indirectly for gastric carcinoma. The paper also discuss some sampling, laboratory and statistical bias that can explain a wide eterogenity of the results reported in the literature.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis. Description of a case and review of the literature].

The authors report a typical case of JHF. The complete review of the literature shows that no more than 20 cases have been so far described. The clinical, pathological and electron microscopic features are stressed and the main clinical and pathological differential diagnoses are considered. The disease, formerly thought to be due to an abnormal composition of collagen fibers, seems to be nowadays, thanks to Japanese authors, related to an error in glycosaminoglycans metabolism.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Bronchopulmonary dysplasia after treatment with continuous negative pressure].

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) rarely occurs in newborn infants with RDS ventilated using CNP devices. In this paper we describe a case of BPD following respiratory therapy with CNP in a preterm baby affected by hyaline membrane disease (HMD). Probably the rarity of BPD after CNP treatment is related either to less severe HMD in newborns weighing less than 1500 g, or to the low diffusion of CNP respirators in Neonatal Care Centers.

Bronchial Diseases↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Sympathomimetic drugs in the newborn infant].

In newborn infants with compromised clinical conditions, it is frequently necessary to improve the perfusion of the vital organs, and the choice often falls on sympathomimetic drugs. However their appropriate use is still discussed and the difference of the opinions about their choice is partially due to scarcity of controlled clinical studies. The purpose of this study is to supply, on the basis of the present knowledges, the opportunity of a rational choice and use of the sympathomimetic drugs in the neonate. The Authors consider the development of the cardiovascular sympathetic innervation and the different responsiveness to sympathomimetic drugs of the human foetus, compared to those of the animal foetuses. Then they discuss the pharmacological characteristics of some of the most important sympathomimetic drugs: adrenaline, isoproterenol, dopamine, dobutamine, indicating choice, and clinical use of them.

Autonomic Nervous System↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Neurogenic hypernatremia with adipsia and cerebral malformations in a child with ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft lip-palate syndrome].

An infant with E.E.C. Syndrome (a genetic condition characterized by: Ectrodactyly, Ectodermal dysplasia, Cleft Lip-Palate) and delayed psychomotor development was found to have chronic hypernatremia and absence of thirst. Computerized brain tomography revealed abnormal lateral ventricles, agenesis of corpus callosum, calcified cortex. His plasma Anti Diuretic Hormone (ADH) levels were inappropriately low relative to his high values of plasma osmolality, whereas ADH responsiveness to nonosmotic stimuli was normal. E.E.C. Syndrome in this baby is characterized by: ectrodactyly of the feet, syndactyly of the 3rd and 4th finger of the hands, bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate, bilateral microtia, lacrimal ductular stenosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of chronic hypernatremia in conjunction with normal ADH stores, congenital abnormalities of brain structures, and E.E.C. syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
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[Influence of the modality of delivery on the plasma levels of ADH in the mother and the newborn infant].

We have studied plasma levels of Anti Diuretic Hormone (ADH) and its relationship to mode of delivery in 21 mothers and in their newborns. On the basis of the mode of delivery, mothers were divided into three subgroups: vaginal delivery before administration of oxytocin; vaginal delivery after administration of oxytocin; caesarean section. The infants are divided into two subgroups: neonates born by vaginal delivery (14 cases); neonates born by caesarean section (7 cases). ADH levels were determined at birth and in third day of life in the neonates. ADH determination was made by Radioimmunoassay (RIA). A noticeable rise in hormone levels was found in infants born by vaginal delivery, but not in neonates born by caesarean section. In third day of life ADH levels were comparable in all neonates. No significant difference was encountered in ADH levels among the subgroups of mothers. There was no correlation between ADH levels and: maternal age, placental weight, duration of labor, period of gestation of the mothers; neonatal weight, gestational age, body weight in 3rd day of life of the neonates; plasma sodium and osmolality both of the mothers and of the neonates. High levels of ADH in neonates delivered vaginally may contribute to increase the blood flow to the placenta and to other vital structures of the fetus during labour.

Cesarean Section↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effect of phototherapy on the plasma levels of antidiuretic hormone in the newborn infant].

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of prolonged phototherapy on plasmatic levels of Anti Diuretic Hormone (ADH) in jaundiced newborns. 13 hyperbilirubinemic, otherwise healthy full-term newborns submitted to the phototherapy, were compared to 12 healty, full-term nursery newborns as a control group. No statistical difference was found in ADH levels in 3rd day of life between jaundiced and normal newborns. ADH levels before and after phototherapy do not present any statistical difference, in the jaundiced neonates receiving adequate water and caloric intakes. There was no positive correlation between ADH and bilirubin levels neither in 3rd nor in 5th day of life. Prolonged phototherapy, constant covering of the eyes, deprivation of the day-night rhythm, in absence of gross environmental alterations or of pathological findings, are lacking of effect on the ADH levels in hyperbilirubinemic neonates.

Female↗
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[Serum levels of total and free tryptophan in the premature newborn infant treated with aminophylline].

Apnea of prematurity in the majority of the cases becomes evident during the nonREM phases of sleep. Aminophylline, one of the most commonly used xantines in prevention, seems to reduce the incidence of these crises, increasing the duration of the REM phase and of the wakefulness of the newborn. It is possible that the serotonin, neuromediator of the REM phase, represents an important element in determining the crises of apnea, conditioned by variation in the serum levels of tryptophan that regulates the synthesis and liberation of cerebral serotonin. Our data demonstrate how aminophylline increases the post-natal physiological diminution of total tryptophan in the preterm. Therefore we can deduce, from our results, that an increased synthesis and liberation of serotonin may to increase the duration of the REM and to reduce the incidence of apnea.

Aminophylline↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Frequency of colonization of beta-hemolytic group B streptococci in a sample of 939 pregnant women. Epidemiologic and clinical study].

A prospective study of group B Streptococcus colonization in 939 pregnant women from Vicenza and its region, disclosed an overall rate of 9.58% of genital colonization. Only two cases of group B streptococcal infant disease occurred in the study period (0.21%). No statistically significant difference between culture-positive and culture-negative pregnant women was found in mean age, parity, place of residence, blood group, presence of clinical disease during pregnancy, type of delivery and gestational age, birth weight and presence of any clinical disease over five days from birth of the newborn infants. The Authors make some recommendations based upon the best understanding of the epidemiology of group B streptococci available at this time.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Changes in plasma nonesterified fatty acids and blood glucose in the newborn infant in therapy with aminophylline].

We investigated the effect of intravenous infusions of aminophylline on plasma glucose and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels in 14 newborns with apnea (mean birthweight: 2.514 +/- 866 g; mean gestational age: 34.8 +/- 3.94 weeks). Theophylline apparent volume of distribution was 0.55 liters per Kilogram and the half-life was major than 12 hours. It was found that theophylline caused pronounced and prolonged lipid mobilization, as measured by the plasma NEFA. The ability of theophylline to induce a rapid rise in blood glucose was confirmed. Elevation in plasma NEFA might be an important factor in facilitating the competition with bilirubin for binding sites of albumin and the development of arrythmias in newborns with acute myocardial injury.

Aminophylline↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Distal renal tubular acidosis with nerve deafness].

The Authors describe a case of renal tubular acidosis (type I or distal type) with neural deafness in a male child. The condition is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Addition of NaHCO3 and potassium to diet allowed normal growth without sequelae. Speech development was retarded because of the neurosensorial deafness, partially corrected by hearing aids.

Acidosis, Renal Tubular↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[A case of transient congenital hypoaldosteronism].

A case of temporary congenital hypoaldosteronism with normal production of other hormones of the adrenal is described. During early infancy the patient showed low blood aldosterone levels, increased ACHT and Hyponatraemia. Replacement therapy needed sodium chloride and mineralcorticoid drug administration (Florinef) until the baby was 9 month old. Later, spontaneous recovery occurred, confirmed by laboratory tests.

Aldosterone↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Results of specific neonatal screening for congenital dysplasia of the hip at the Vicenza Hospital. A prospective study of subjects at risk].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of pathological neonatal hips in the community served by the central Vicenza local health authority and to establish a protocol to minimize demands on available equipment, staff and the family. From May 1992 to May 1993 all neonates at San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza were subjected to specific clinical examination of the hip by staff experienced in neonatal care. Neonates then underwent ultrasound examination--catalogued according to Graf--if they presented risk factors (dynamic ultrasound test was omitted). The orthopaedic examination was carried out in all cases. The total number of neonates involved was 1939 (994 m., 945 f.). Of these, 142 (7.3%) underwent ultrasonography (60 m., 82 f.). Family history and breech delivery were the most frequent anamnestic risk factors justifying ultrasound examination while among objective risk factors the most frequent being a clicking sound. Considering the clinical and ultrasound findings the resulting overall incidence of pathological hips is 0.25%. So far, there have been no late cases of c.d.h. A screening protocol such as ours cannot realistically aim to identify all pathological hips, however the great majority can be diagnosed at this early stage. Resources comparable to those used for our study are available to many other local health authorities. Higher diagnostic standard depend closely on local health policy.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Arterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma suitable for resective surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Authors examined transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) reliability in modifying diagnosis, staging, choice of treatment after a common instrumental evaluation and in increasing results in patients with hepatocarcinoma(s) potentially suitable for surgery; this value was compared to TAE-related mortality and morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients underwent TAE. Diagnostic value, reduction in tumor size and necrosis' percentage after treatment were computed. Immediate and long term results were compared to those obtained by primary liver resection in 62 patients. RESULTS: TAE showed more lesions than any other diagnostic tool, thus excluding 4 patients (10.2%) from surgery. TAE-related mortality (1 patient) and severe morbidity (11 patients) excluded 4 more patients. Complications were correlated to Gelfoam embolization (p < 0.01). After TAE tumor size reduction was sporadic; tumor necrosis > 70% was present in 13/29 resected tumors. Intraoperatively 16/25 patients had TAE-related anatomical alterations; a choledochus' wall necrosis and a tumor' explosion must be mentioned. TAE and intraoperative echography had an equivalent diagnostic value. Immediate and long term results were comparable to those obtained by primary liver resection. CONCLUSIONS: TAE has a high diagnostic accuracy but the capacity in changing the final judgment after a good instrumental evaluation is low. The specific risk-benefit ratio is not favourable, in particular after mechanical embolization, and clinical benefit is not evident.

Aged↗