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Biomedical subjects

P Pigatto

Publications and source records attributed to P Pigatto.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Chronic urticaria and Helicobacter pylori.

Chronic urticaria can result from multiple causes. A number of factors have been identified that can appear to be important in the pathogenesis of individual cases, including intolerance to food, drugs, some internal diseases and some infections. Recently a possible relationship between chronic urticaria and Helicobacter pylori has been suggested. One hundred and twenty-five patients were investigated for Helicobacter pylori infection by means of ELISA assay and 13C urea-breath tests. When the two tests were positive, gastric biopsy was performed after informed consent. Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were randomly assigned to receive triple therapy for the eradication of bacterium for one week, or no treatment. As controls, 25 patients with chronic urticaria and with negative results on ELISA and urea-breath tests were treated with the same triple therapy course. Forty-six unrelated blood donors of both sexes were examined for the presence of anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies in the normal population. Seventy-eight patients had circulating specific IgG antibodies against the bacterium and positive urea-breath tests. Among these patients, 31 received eradication therapy, 34 were enrolled in the control group, and 13 patients neglected the study. Three patients in the eradication therapy group showed complete remission of urticaria after 12 months of follow-up as compared with 1 patient in the control group. Twenty blood donors out of 46 were IgG anti-Helicobacter pylori positive. In conclusion, our data show that the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is high in chronic urticaria patients, but eradication of the bacterium does not appear to influence the skin disorders nor the symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

An evaluation of the allergic contact dermatitis potential of colloidal grain suspensions.

BACKGROUND: Colloidal grain suspensions have been used for decades as adjuncts in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, especially in the US. In Italy, many young children have been exposed to colloidal grains. Recently, it was suggested that these bath therapies may induce allergic contact dermatitis in some young atopic children. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the allergic skin reactions to topical oat and rice colloidal grain suspensions of normal and atopic children with and without previous exposure to colloidal grain suspensions. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized patch study. Two concentrations of oat and rice colloidal grains (0.007% and 0.7%) were applied occlusively to the backs of 65 children living in Italy, ages 6 months to 2 years (43 were atopic and 22 were normal). RESULTS: There were neither immediate urticarial nor allergic reactions in any of the 65 study subjects, atopic or nonatopic; 5 of 43 (12%) atopic subjects developed irritant reactions to the test materials. Radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) tests were performed on 55 subjects. The negative RAST test results found in the nonatopic group correlated well with nonatopic status, but positive RAST tests were found in only 8 of 35 (23%) atopic dermatitis subjects. None of the sera from positive RAST scores corresponded to subjects with irritant patch reactions. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that topical colloidal grains can be used as an adjunct in the management of mild atopic dermatitis in children under 2 years of age. There was no evidence of sensitization to topical colloidal grains in the group studied.

Avena↗
PubMed1996

Statistical evaluation of the persistence of acquired hypersensitivity by standardized patch tests.

Numerous studies have focused attention on the influence of various biological and environmental factors on contact hypersensitivity. In order to evaluate the persistence and/or modification of allergic contact sensitivity to a number of common contact sensitizers, the same standardized patch tests were repeated on 174 subjects with contact sensitivity after a time lapse of 5 years (1987-1992). In 18.4% of the cases, 1 or more sensitivities were lost; 28.7% of the patients had a higher number of positive patch tests after 5 years, while the remaining 52.9% of the patients showed no change in the number of positive patch tests. In 88%, the positive allergens were unchanged, whereas in the remaining 12% of the subjects, they showed 1 or more variations. The association between the allergens most often positive was calculated for both the 1st and the 2nd patch test results. Moreover, to evaluate the frequency of an allergen's positivity, we studied the disappearance of old sensitivities and the appearance of new sensitivities by the McNemar test. Cobalt chloride was the only allergen with a significant frequency of new positivities over the period of observation (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the possible influence of positive tests to other allergens, and of some clinical findings associated with contact dermatitis, on the sensitivity to cobalt chloride in 1987 and in 1992.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Cross-reactions in patch testing and photopatch testing with ketoprofen, thiaprophenic acid, and cinnamic aldehyde.

In the last 7 years, we have studied 123 patients with allergic reactions to topical arylpropionic anti-inflammatory drugs. We have investigated the rate of sensitization and the irritant potential of one of them, ketoprofen, and its cross-reactivity with such other derivatives as ibuproxam, ibuprofen, naproxen, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, and thiaprofenic acid. Sensitization was single in most cases, and ketoprofen was the drug most often involved. The combination most frequently found was ketoprofen plus ibuproxam. The most frequent cross-reactions were to fragrance mix, especially cinnamic aldehyde and balsam of Peru, both contact and photocontact sensitizers. Because there is a ketonic group in the molecule of ketoprofen and cinnamic aldehyde and after conversion of thiaprofenic acid, this could be the trigger for this particular allergy and cross-reactivity.

Acrolein↗
PubMed1992

A multicentre study of contact sensitization in children. Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali (GIRDCA).

The results of 7 months of patch testing with a standard series of 26 allergens in 323 children with eczematous conditions or itching palmoplantar psoriasis under the age of 14 years are reported. 114 (35.3%) of the children had 1 or more positive reactions to this standard series. 28 children (8.7%) were polysensitive. On the basis of personal history, additional series of allergens and/or specific allergens were also tested. 61.7% (90/146) of positive reactions were considered relevant to the current dermatitis. Metals, medicaments, preservatives or fragrances, and shoe components were the major sources of contact sensitization. It is suggested that patch testing be done more frequently in evaluating dermatitis in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Contact dermatitis in hairdressers: the Italian experience. Gruppo Italiano Ricerca Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali.

A multicenter study was performed in 9 Italian centers by members of the GIRDCA, to evaluate the frequency and source of contact sensitization in a group of 302 hairdressers with dermatitis. Occupational habits and use of preventive measures were specifically investigated both in these 302 hairdressers and in a further group of 240 hairdressers who answered a questionnaire. The results showed the presence of an occupationally relevant sensitization in 60.9% of the 302 hairdressers. This proportion included 52 hairdressers who had negative patch tests to the hairdressers' series but showed positive reactions to other allergens, such as nickel, rubber additives, preservatives and fragrances, which were judged relevant to their occupation. Among hair dyes, PPD caused 73 reactions (24.2%), PAP 32 reactions (10.6%), ONPPD 24 reactions (7.9%), and PTD 40 reactions (13.2%). A low incidence of sensitization was detected in our hairdressers to resorcinol and pyrogallol (1.3% for each substance). Among permanent wave allergens, positive reactions to GMTG were found in 11.3% of patients, while ATG gave a lower rate of positive reactions (5.0%). Allergic contact dermatitis due to APS was also relatively common (11.3%). 4 hairdressers in this study gave a positive reaction 30 min after a provocative test with latex gloves, patch testing to the rubber series being negative. Enquiry regarding preventive measures revealed that the majority of hairdressers use gloves when doing hair dyeing, but rarely use them for washing dyed hair or for doing permanent waving. The infrequent use of preventive measures by Italian hairdressers was confirmed by the results of the questionnaire, and possibly explains the high frequency of skin problems (12.5%) in the hairdressing population that was specifically interviewed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Immunohistologic evaluation of the effect of cyclosporine treatment on the lichen planus immune infiltrate.

We have investigated immunohistologically the cutaneous immune infiltrate in the lesions of five patients with severe, extensive lichen planus of recent onset before and after 15 days of oral, low-dose cyclosporine therapy (3 mg/kg/day). Before therapy, we observed an abnormal bandlike cellular infiltrate localized in the papillary dermis, composed mostly of CD3+ cells, with a prevalence of CD4+ cells. Infiltrating lymphocytes showed markers of activation (HLA-DR antigens and interleukin 2 receptor), and there were many Langerhans (CD1+) cells in the dermal infiltrate. After 15 days of cyclosporine therapy, we observed a dramatic decrease in the total number of T cells and a corresponding decrease in interleukin 2 receptor-positive activated CD25+ cells and in antigen-presenting cells (CD1+ and CD14b+). These changes were concurrent with clinical improvement. Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that the inhibition of CD4 T cells by cyclosporine might explain the drug's therapeutic action and that the interaction between antigen-presenting cells and CD4 T cells is important in the pathogenesis of lichen planus.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Evaluation of skin irritation and contact sensitizing potential of fenticonazole.

A double blind, randomized clinical trial was performed on twelve healthy volunteers to evaluate the irritation potential of fenticonazole 2% cream (Lomexin) and spray versus micomazole 2% cream and econazole 1% spray. The contact-sensitizing potential of the two fenticonazole preparations was also investigated. There was no evidence of irritation after the treatments with fenticonazole cream, its excipients, miconazole cream and fenticonazole spray excipients, whereas signs of irritation were observed in four cases after treatment with the spray formulations (two after fenticonazole, two after econazole). The contact-sensitizing test was performed only with fenticonazole 2% cream and spray. Neither spray nor cream formulation of fenticonazole showed evidence of sensitization in any of the twelve subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Increased plasma levels of platelet-derived growth factor activity in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis.

We measured mitogenic activity of whole blood serum and platelet-poor plasma-derived serum of a group of 10 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis and of 8 controls. Mitogenic activity of plasma-derived serum was greater in patients than in controls, in the absence of other signs of platelet activation. This increased activity was inhibited by specific antibodies, anti-platelet derived growth factor, suggesting that circulating levels of platelet-derived growth factor may be present in progressive systemic sclerosis patients. Platelet-derived growth factor, released either by platelets or by monocytes, might play a role in the pathogenesis of scleroderma.

Biological Assay↗
PubMed1988

Plasma melatonin levels in psoriasis.

Melatonin is synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland. A daily rhythm of melatonin secretion, with high plasma values during the dark period, has been found in all vertebrates studied so far. In psoriatics, several hormones, including GH and prolactin, have altered chronobiology, and some studies in humans suggest that melatonin affects the levels of GH and prolactin. We investigated circadian melatonin rhythm in 13 male psoriatics and 13 healthy males with an RIA specific for measuring the hormone in plasma. Samples were taken at 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 12.00, 4 p.m., 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Differences in (mean +/- SD) plasma melatonin levels were analysed by Student's t-test. Our results show that psoriatic patients had lost the nocturnal peak and usual circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion. Levels of melatonin were significantly lower than in controls at 2 a.m., and higher at 6 and 8 a.m. and at 12 noon. Further investigations of this disorder of melatonin secretion in psoriasis are needed to understand its significance.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Sutton's summer prurigo: a morphologic variant of atopic dermatitis.

We describe in detail 6 of 18 children affected by a recurrent summer papular eruption on the elbows, knees, and backs of the hands. In all six, family history, clinical observation, or laboratory data revealed signs of atopy. Phototesting, performed to evaluate the role of ultraviolet rays in the pathogenesis of the disease, gave results similar to those obtained in subjects with atopic dermatitis. Therefore we suggest that this disease may be a peculiar morphologic variant of atopic dermatitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Lipoprotein metabolism and lipoprotein lipase in severe cystic acne.

In severe cystic acne we found low levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A (Apo-A) in the presence of normal total lipids. In a larger number of patients, we always observed significantly lower levels of HDL-C and Apo-A than in either age-matched controls or subjects with acne vulgaris. Since lipoprotein lipase is one major determinant of HDL concentration, we assayed the lipase activity in liver and extra-hepatic tissues by the method of Krauss et al. There was highly significant less total and hepatic lipase activity than in age-matched controls. HDL distribution was examined by zonal ultracentrifugation and a decrease in the HDL2 subclass was discovered. Since HDL are inversely correlated to atherosclerosis, cystic acne is one risk factor for atherosclerosis. The linkage between low HDL levels and severe cystic acne should be further investigated.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1985

Skin pathology in industrial workers exposed to synthetic corticosteroids.

Systemic and cutaneous side effects observed in some workers of a company producing synthetic corticosteroids are described. The production process and the results of clinical and laboratory investigations are shown. A high incidence of skin and internal disorders (erythema, telangiectasia, acne, purpuric lesions and inhibition of the pituitary-adrenal axis) were found.

Acne Vulgaris↗