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Biomedical subjects

R Casali

Publications and source records attributed to R Casali.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

[Comparative study of the effects of morphine and tramadol in the treatment of postoperative pain].

BACKGROUND: To compare morphine and tramadol in the treatment of postoperative pain (POP), using a system of Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA). METHODS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Randomised comparative study on 88 patients, undergoing general major surgical operations (gastrectomy, colectomy and hemicolectomy). PATIENTS: PCA i.v.: group M treated with morphine (at a dilution of 1 mg/ml) and group T with tramadol (at a dilution of 10 mg/ml). Loading dose: 0.05 mg/kg for the group treated with morphine and 0.5 mg/kg for the group treated with tramadol. Baseline infusion: 1.5 ml/h. Bolus on demand: 0.2 ml every 30 minutes. At T0, after 1 hour, 3 and 18 hours assessment of pain intensity, level of sedation, respiratory and cardiocirculatory parameters. After 18 hours assessment of the amount of drug administered, the number of boluses requested and given and any side effects. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: ANOVA test, Student "t", chi 2. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in POP was found after 1 hour, 3 and 18 hours with no significant differences between the two groups. No statistically significant differences in cardiocirculatory or respiratory parameters or level of sedation were found. Few side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol determines pain relief similar to morphine, with the advantage that it does not lead to abuse, tolerance or addiction.

Analgesia, Patient-Controlled↗
PubMed1998

Multicenter trial comparing tramadol and morphine for pain after abdominal surgery.

Seventy patients (40 male, 30 female), mean (SD) age 60.8 +/- 13.7 years were treated with parenteral morphine (10 mg/1 ml ampul) or tramadol (100 mg/2 ml ampul) to verify their analgesic effects in pain following abdominal surgery. The multicenter trial followed an open, controlled experimental design between patients, randomized within the centers. The drugs were given by intramuscular injection, as requested by patients, starting in the postoperative period when pain was more than 70 mm, assessed on a visual analog scale. Patients were allowed up to six ampuls of tramadol or morphine in the 24-h trial but in the first 4 h, if they asked for supplementary analgesic, only diclofenac (75 mg in a 3-ml ampul) was allowed. Both test drugs gave rapid and constant pain relief. After the first dose, pain intensity was reduced 36.2% with tramadol, and 51% with morphine; the pain-free interval was similar for both treatments. The quality of sleep and the number of hours of sleep the night after surgery were similar for both groups. Tramadol was tolerated better, giving rise to no untoward reactions; with morphine there was one case of mild respiratory depression. In abdominal surgery, therefore, tramadol given by intramuscular injection has postoperative analgesic activity similar to morphine, but is better tolerated.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1996

[Antioxidant action of Foy in an experimental model of hypergeneration of oxygen free radicals].

BACKGROUND: Several trials have just demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of gabexate mesylate (Foy). For this drug numerous mechanisms of action have been postulated; protease inhibition, direct or indirect lysosomal membrane stabilization, etc. The aim of this study has been to verify if Foy would express antioxidant properties against free radical overgeneration, responsible for the increase in microvascular permeability which represents one of the most important pathogenetic phenomenon of any condition of shock. A mixture of hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase has been used to obtain a generation of oxygen free radicals in vivo. METHODS: Experiments were performed on the mesocecum of male Wistar rats; fluorescent labelled bovine albumin has been injected intra-arterially to evaluate the capillary permeability and the mesocecum microcirculation has been observed by fluorescent microscopy. The control group received saline i.v., the second group received topically applied on the mesocecum a mixture of 0.96 mM hypoxanthine and 0.05 UI/ml xanthine oxidase; the third and the fourth groups were pretreated respectively with a topical application and continuous infusion of a Foy 1% solution (50 ml/kg/min). To evaluate capillary permeability and to quantify the degree of extravasation by counting the number of leaky sites, labelled bovine albumin was injected i.a. and mesocecum was observed with fluorescent microscopy for 2 hours. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Gabexate mesilate (Foy) exerts its efficacy preventing the increase in capillary permeability provoked by an overgeneration of free radicals; it could express antioxidant properties.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Evaluation of the synergism between ketorolac and morphine in the treatment of postoperative pain].

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to determine what concentration of ketorolac and morphine administered together i.v. achieve best synergic effect between NSAID antiinflammatory and opioids analgesic properties. DESIGN: Randomized comparative study was carried out on 180 patients, ASA II-IV, undergoing major general surgery, in an University Clinic. METHODS: Postoperative pain therapy by i.v. PCA: group 1 morphine 0.75 mg.ml + ketorolac 0.75 mg.ml; group 2 morphine 0.50 mg.ml + ketorolac 1.50 mg.ml; group 3 morphine 0.25 mg.ml + ketorolac 1.50 mg.ml; in saline solution. Initial bolus: 2 ml. Continuous infusion 1.5 ml.h. Demand bolus: 0.2 ml. Lockout time: 30 minutes. Evaluations included: pain intensity (T0, T3, T18); total amount of infused drugs (T18); number of valid demands and attempts (T18); amount of autoadministered analgesic drugs in percent of highest available amount (T18); side effects (T18); patient's judgment. DATA ANALYSIS: ANOVA and Student's "t"-test. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction of pain intensity was found after 3 and 18 hours in the three groups, no differences were found among the groups. Group 2 required an amount of autoadministered drugs significantly lower than other groups. Rare side effects. Patient's judgment was generally positive. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a greater synergetic effect between morphine and ketorolac in concentrations used in group 2.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic↗
PubMed1995

[Antioxidant action of gabexate mesilate (Foy) in an experimental model of endotoxic shock].

BACKGROUND: Circulatory shock, especially endotoxin shock, is characterized by the release of a large number of mediators, among which proteases play a key role. The production of oxygen free radicals into the extracellular space and the increase of capillary permeability is one of the most important consequences of that phenomenon. In order to evaluate the efficacy of gabexate mesilate (Foy) in preventing such increase of microvascular permeability, an experimental model of endotoxin shock was used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed on the mesocecum of male Wistars rats, fluorescent labeled bovine albumine was injected intrarterially to evaluate the capillary permeability and the mesocecum microcirculation was observed by fluorescent light. The control group received saline i.v.; the II group received a DL 100 of E. coli endotoxin (DIFCO 0111: B4); the III and the IV group received a continuous infusion or topical application of gabexate mesilate respectively, before the administration of endotoxin. To evaluate capillary permeability and to quantify the degree of extravasion by counting the number of leaky sites, fluorescent labelled bovine albumin was injected i.v. and mesocecum was observed with fluorescent microscopy for 2 hours. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Capillary permeability did not increase in control rats; it largely increased in rats receiving endotoxin i.v. but it did not almost increased in rats receiving gabexate mesilate (Foy) that prevents the increase of capillary permeability that was observed in the group treated with endotoxin alone.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Increase in capillary permeability induced by endotoxin: protection with antioxidants and glutathione].

Endotoxin administration increases capillary permeability in experimental animals and this is one of the most relevant events in the pathophysiology of endotoxin shock; the aim of the present experiment was to demonstrate that the action of endotoxin on capillary permeability is due to oxygen-free radicals generation. Experiments were performed on the mesocecum of male Wistar rats; fluorescent labeled bovine albumin (FITC-BSA) was injected intra-arterially to evaluate the capillary permeability; the mesocecum microcirculation was observed by fluorescent light. Permeability was quantified by changes in the number of leaky sites at 10 minute intervals for an hour. The effects of Endotoxin (DIFCO 0111:B4, 30 mg/kg i.a.) were assessed in rats receiving 1) saline, 2) reduced glutathione (250 or 500 mg/kg i.p.), 3) three different nitrones (PBN, DMPO, POBN) (6.25 mg/kg i.p.) whose action is to "trap" oxygen radicals. Capillary permeability largely increased in a few minutes in control rats but it was quite unaffected in rats receiving glutathione or nitrones. As a conclusion the increased capillary permeability observed after endotoxin injection in rats may be due to an oxygen-radicals generation.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

The local administration of relaxin induces changes in the microcirculation of the rat mesocaecum.

The clinical improvement of Raynaud's disease during pregnancy has been attributed to the increased relaxin (RLX) level in blood. Therefore we investigated the effect of topical porcine RLX (NIH-RXN-Pl) on the microcirculation of the mesocaecum of Wistar male rats, under direct microscope observation as judged by two observers. The hormone was applied locally to avoid systemic interferences either alone or after norepinephrine (NE) and promethazine (PM). The drugs were coded and the results were recorded independently by two observers. Porcine RLX induced rapid dilatation of the veins of the rat mesocaecum in a dose-related manner. The arteriolas and capillary flows were unchanged, while the venular flow was progressively reduced. The observed effects were sustained and disappeared with tissue wash-out. The RLX effects were reversed by addition of NE; conversely high doses of RLX were able to oppose the NE and PM vasospasm. We conclude that the local administration of RLX influences the microcirculation, possibly through an action on the smooth muscle of the venulae. The effects seems antagonistic with those of NE and PM.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1984

Effects induced by vincamine teprosilate on chronic cerebrovascular disease: preliminary results.

A group of 90 patients suffering from chronic cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) were selected on the basis of definite clinical criteria and pretests indicating a well-preserved general level of the higher functions. The purpose was to perform a clinical and neuropsychological assessment of CCVD sufferers during treatment with vincamine teprosilate (Teproside) for 90 days. Each selected patient was submitted to neurological examination and neuropsychological testing before treatment, after 45 days and at the termination of treatment. Neuropsychological examination included the reaction-time task, memory tests, verbal fluency test, trail making test, PM 38, MACL and STAI depression scales. Preliminary results are discussed and compared with previous data reported in the literature.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

May-Thurner syndrome.

Three patients with long standing edema of the left leg were examined, and venography and hemodynamic studies were performed. All three patients had a "spur" (May-Thurner syndrome) of the left common iliac vein at the level of the crossover position of the right common iliac artery. Surgical exploration in two of these patients verified marked hypertrophy of the intima of the left common iliac vein that caused partial obstruction. Surgical repair resulted in great improvement. Anatomic findings at venography are characteristic of this syndrome. Hemodynamic pressure measurements are of ancillary help in confirming the diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Factors related to success or failure of second renal transplants.

From January 1, 1968 to December 31, 1973, 50 patients received two or more kidney transplants. Patient and graft survival was highly dependent upon the source of the donor and to a lesser extent the functional duration of the first transplant and the elapsed time between first and second graft. Survival (patient and graft) was best in patients receiving two related grafts and worst in patients receiving two sequential cadaver grafts. Intermediate rates of success followed cadaver transplantation after rejection of a related graft. The highest failure rate was encountered when those patients who sustained an early loss of the first cadaver graft received a subsequent cadaver graft within a few months. We recommended removal of the acutely rejected graft and delay prior to retransplantation of patients who rapidly reject cadaver grafts in the face of maximal doses of immunosuppression. A delay will permit recovery from both the immunosuppression and any underlying subclinical infections, and will permit the recognition of anti-HL-A antibodies which may not be manifest soon after rejection. Retransplantation of the patient who is slowly rejecting the first kidney does not require prior removal of the rejected graft or delay in retransplantation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Calculi complicating renal transplantation into ileal conduits.

In 2 patients with renal transplants into ileal conduits renal calculi developed proximal to stenosis of the ureteral-ileal anastomosis, These are the only cases of urinary calculi in 600 consecutive transplants. The pathogenetic factors contributing to sepsis and stasis in such cases are reviewed and precautions suggested.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1975

Acute renal insufficiency complicating major cardiovascular surgery.

Thirty-one patients underwent hemodialysis for renal failure as a complication of major cardiovascular surgery at the University of Minnesota (1968-1973). Only eight patients (26%) survived. A review of the literature shows that since the beginning of hemodialysis the mortality of those patients has not improved. Infection was the overwhelming cause of death. The infections were difficult to diagnosis because they were frequently associated with abdominal abscesses that were almost uniformly overlooked. Several possible ways of improving these patients survival are: 1) the use of early operative interventions of second look type; 2) improved hygenic measures in the care of these patients; 3) more selective antibiotic treatment based on frequent reculturing; and 4) daily short dialysis in association with hyperalimentation.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1975

Complications of percutaneous femoral vein catheterizations for hemodialysis.

Five life threatening complications of percutaneous femoral vein catheterization for hemodialysis (Shaldon Technique) are presented. They occurred over a period of five years during which 700 uneventful catheterizations were carried out. In three instances femoroiliac vein thrombosis occurred, and on one occasion this was complicated by pulmonary embolism. In two other instances perforation of the inferior vena cava occurred with profuse bleeding. These complications can be aboided by early removal of the catheters after dialysis and by cautiously manipulating the wireguide when resistance or obstruction is encountered during insertion.

Adult↗