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P Careddu

Publications and source records attributed to P Careddu.

61 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Validity of the H2 breath test and limits of blood xylose in the evaluation of malabsorption in children].

Many authors have recently discussed the real value of the xylose test in the evaluation of intestinal malabsorption, especially its correlation with the morphological damage of the duodenal-jejunal mucosa. In our study we have performed in 48 pediatric patients one-hour blood xylose test and breath H2 test, method used for the diagnosis of sugar malabsorption, in order to value small bowel function and to know indirectly small intestinal mucosal structure. We have compared the values of the xylose test with those of the breath H2 test and both with hystological findings. The D-xylose absorption test was performed using the technique described by Roe and Rice. A serum concentration of more than 25 mg/dl was considered normal. For the breath H2 test the technique described by Douwes was used. A hydrogen concentration lower than 20 p.p.m. in expired air was considered normal. All of the patients in whose breath hydrogen was not detected after lactose oral load (2g/Kg body-weight, maximum 50 g), underwent a second test with lactulose (0,8 - 1 g/Kg body-weight), is not absorbed. We performed this test to rule out a false negative result (2% of the normal population). On histologic criteria, the patients were assigned to one of three study groups. Group I: normal duodenal-jejunal mucosal structure (11 patients). Group II: structural abnormalities not diagnostic of celiac diseases (7 patients). Group III: mucosal structural abnormalities typical of celiac disease (30 patients). In the first group the one-hour blood xylose test was normal in 9 patients (81.81%), whilst the breath H2 test was normal in 11 patients (100%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Breath Tests↗

[Gastrointestinal fiber endoscopy in children: diagnostic and therapeutic contribution].

The diagnostic and therapeutic value of gastrointestinal endoscopy in adults is well established. Our study, performed in pediatric patients confirms its usefulness and emphasises its easy execution and little risk in children. The availability of small caliber fiberendoscopes and the simple medication permit its wide and sure use. The direct visualization of mucosal surface allows to see even small alteration always not found by roentgenological examination and to pick up aimed bioptic specimens. The therapeutic contribution revealed itself affective in our experience, permitting polipectomy and consequently rectal bleeding removal. It was possible at last by this technique to make the follow-up of patients with ulcerative colitis avoiding them repeated irradiations. We can thus conclude that gastrointestinal endoscopy has an important diagnostic and therapeutic value also in pediatric patients for the study of gastrointestinal diseases.

Adolescent↗

[Giardiasis in children. Ultrastructural study of the parasite].

Giardia lamblia is the first protozoan to be identified and recognized as an important pathogen in human disease. We studied 8 pediatric patients with giardiasis in order to examine the clinical spectrum, the structural changes of the small intestinal mucosa and mainly the protozoan's ultrastructural features. The most common clinical manifestations were diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, vomiting, failure to thrive. Infection was confirmed by excreted cysts in the stools in one patient, by the presence of trophozoites in duodenal aspirate and on jejunal mucosa. Giardiasis was not associated with hypogammaglobulinemia in our patients and no or only slight mucosal abnormalities were present in jejunal biopsies, except one which showed a flat mucosa. Specimens for transmissions and scanning electron microscopy were taken. We could establish the protozoan's features, its normal distribution, its relationship to intestinal mucosa and structural indications of the normal reaction of intestine with the use of ultrastructural techniques. The trophozoites colonized the proximal intestine, adhered to microvilli of columnar cells near the bases of villi, wedged or lodged in mucus. The sticky mucus producing an effective diffusion barrier to nutrients could explain malabsorption phenomena. Numerous intraluminal lymphocytes were seen, suggesting an immune response. These observations indicate that in giardiasis the clinical spectrum and structural changes of the small intestinal mucosa vary widely, suggesting a different reaction of immune system and/or a different degree of infection.

Child, Preschool↗

[Sudden infant death syndrome in Italy. A multidisciplinary approach].

A Center for the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has been established in 1981. Active research involves clinical prospective studies and basic research, mostly aimed at testing our cardiac theory for SIDS. The bereaved families enter in a follow-up program with specific psychological support. At risk babies are evaluated for cardio-respiratory abnormalities and repeatedly controlled. Parents of victims are in the process of forming a group with the objective to support and inform the families of new victims. This is the first attempt to approach systematically the SIDS problem in Italy.

Apnea↗

[Treatment of iron deficiency in infancy with iron-acetyl transferrin].

In twenty eight patients with iron deficiency the efficacy of iron-acetil-transferrin treatment (2-3 mg/kg/die) has been evaluated from the changes of the following variables: RBC and reticulocyte count, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH, serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, and ZnPP. These variables were assessed before and after three months of treatment in all patients, and after three months from the end of the treatment in thirteen patients. At the end of the treatment there was a significant increase of RBC count, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH, serum ferritin, serum iron, and TIBC, a significant decrease of ZnPP, while reticulocyte count remained essentially unchanged. After three months from the end of the treatment only serum ferritin and ZnPP underwent an additional significant increase and decrease, respectively. In twenty-six patients serum ferritin values returned to normal. The changes of RBC and reticulocyte count, Hb concentration, MCV, serum iron, and TIBC were larger the lower the initial values, suggesting that the efficacy of the treatment is greater the more serious the iron deficiency.

Analysis of Variance↗