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P Schiapparelli

Publications and source records attributed to P Schiapparelli.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Acupuncture versus pharmacological approach to reduce Hyperemesis gravidarum discomfort.

AIM: Several reports have suggested the use of acupuncture as a useful treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), in particular the effects on nausea intensity was underlined. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of acupuncture sessions plus acupressure with a metoclopramide/vitamin B12 treatment. METHODS: In this study we randomized 88 pregnant patients suffering from HG to receive either acupuncture sessions plus acupressure (acupuncture group) or metoclopramide infusion (metoclopramide group) supplemented by vitamin B12 complex. Somatic symptoms and the ability to achieve the daily routine activity (functioning) were evaluated. Acupuncture sessions were performed at the hospital twice a week for 2 weeks according to the traditional Chinese medicine criteria. Acupression was applied for 6-8 h/day. In the metoclopramide group, patients received at hospital metoclopramide infusion (20 mg/500 mL saline for 60 min) twice a week for 2 weeks. An oral supplementation with vitamin B12 complex (30 mg/day) was also prescribed. RESULTS: Both treatments reduced vomiting episodes and then nausea intensity with a consequent improvement in the rate of food intake. The effect of acupuncture seems to be progressive, increasing at the end of treatment whereas pharmacological approach has a prompt effect in responders remaining stable thereafter. Moreover, acupuncture was significantly more effective than drugs in improving functioning. CONCLUSIONS: In our study for the first time acupuncture, applied accordingly to Chinese formula, was compared to drugs demonstrating the same effect of both treatments on HG symptoms. Interestingly, functioning was significantly improved just by acupuncture. Even if the effect of acupuncture on HG discomfort remains to be confirmed, the reports on the effect of acupuncture on psychosocial variables could represent a further advantage of acupuncture application and provide an incentive to widen the base of the research.

Acupressure↗
PubMed2003

[Acupuncture in labor management].

Acupuncture is being increasingly used in Western medical practice. The various applications of acupuncture during labor are reviewed in this paper. This ancient therapeutic technique can be employed with a significant percentage of positive results to induce labor in post-term pregnancies, to strengthen uterine contractility and to favour cervical maturation. The acupoints LI 4 Hegu e SP 6 Sanyinjiao electrostimulated are those more frequently used in labor induction and in increasing the frequency and duration of uterine contractions. Moreover, our experience indicates that the acupoint BL 67 Zhiyin can be helpful in accelerating the dilation of the cervix: the treatment is effective in about 75% of patients. The studies on the use of acupuncture to achieve pain relief and analgesia during labor show more controversial results, mainly due to the great heterogeneity of applied treatments and some methodological biases. Nevertheless, the general evidence seems to be positive also for this application.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed1990

[Verification of 3 computerized systems for drafting a plan for treatment with electrons].

The electron beam treatment planning systems, with the availability of more and more developed hardware for complex calculation algorithms, need quality controls of accuracy and comparability of treatment plans from different systems. In this paper three systems have been evaluated; their similar computation algorithms (pencil beam) have been used but in some conditions (beam reconstruction, oblique incidence and dishomogeneity) different results have been drawn. The basic data (PDD, dose profile, etc.) were the same for every system, therefore it has been observed that different results are mainly due to differences in: a) input of parameter values, b) calculation algorithm approximations, c) image acquisitions and elaboration.

Electrons↗