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P Cerruti Mainardi

Publications and source records attributed to P Cerruti Mainardi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Implementation of the pediatric services in the region of Piedmont. A Piedmont pediatric team].

A survey was carried out within the framework of the Association of Hospital Pediatricians (APO) on the implementation of the pediatric structure in Pediatric hospitals wards in Piedmont during 1990. There was a 100% adhesion rate. It was found that only in 7 out of 36 hospitals were children always admitted to the Pediatric Division irrespective of symptoms. In all remaining cases, hospitalisation was based on the pathology and therefore children were spread between pediatric and adult wards with a percentage of over 30% (it was only possible to verify this figure in a small number of hospitals). Children with surgical symptoms were admitted to adult wards for the entire duration of their hospital stay in 17 hospitals. Only in 7 hospitals were children with surgical problems given pre- and postoperative treatment in pediatric wards. In 18 out of 36 hospitals children undergoing surgery were not even examined before the operation by a pediatrician. The implementation of the pediatric structure mainly depended on the behaviour of the PS DEA and therefore the fact that when a child entered hospital he immediately came into contact with the pediatrician. It was also found that average hospital stay in pediatric wards was 4.4 days (range 2.1-7.4); the mean index of bed occupation was 50% (range 27.5-83.4). A pediatric doctor was on duty round the clock only in 10 out of 36 centres. In the majority of hospitals the number of beds destined for day-hospital activities was not specified. It is also worth pointing out that the number of neonatal cradles is never specified by the Regional Health Plan and there is no legal recognition of neonates admitted to the Nursery and, as a result, the number of neonatal medical staff is not quantified. A greater incisiveness of the current statutory requirements for the implementation of the pediatric structure might improve the level of assistance for children admitted to hospital.

Health Services↗

[Severe sideropenic anemia in a young middle-distance runner].

In recent years several cases of anemia (iron deficiency) have been reported in adults who participate in long-distance running although its etiology has not been entirely explained. We report the case of a 16-year-old girl who had participated in middle-distance running at a competitive level for about three years and who had been admitted to hospital because of a progressive weakness and a reduction in her sporting performance. Evaluation revealed that the patient had a balanced diet, normal menstrual cycles and slight abdominal pain. The objective examination were negative except for the presence of a pronounced pallor of the skin and the mucous membranes. The blood count revealed Hb 7.5 g%, Ht 26%, GV 63 mu 3, the reticulocyte count was 10%, serum iron 9 micrograms/dl, serum transferrin 450 micrograms/dl and serum ferritin 4 ng/ml. All tests for constitutional anemia proved negative. Stool Hemoccult tests proved negative (these tests were carried out some weeks after the patient had stopped running). Her symptoms resolved after the beginning of iron treatment and her blood test results returned to normal. This case has been reported to draw attention to the existence of this problem in adolescents who practice sport. The knowledge of the problem night lead to a preventive scanning of young athletes and the presence of clinical manifestations would reduce the need for invasive tests.

Adolescent↗