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Biomedical subjects

R Cocchi

Publications and source records attributed to R Cocchi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The impact of peritonitis on CAPD results.

The impact of peritonitis on CAPD results was evaluated in 1990 pts (mean age +/- SD:58.4 +/- 14.8 yrs, 55.9% males), treated in 30 centres participating in Italian PD Study Group, during 1980-89, with an overall observation period of 3953 years (mean +/- SD 24.1 +/- 22.3 months). The incidence of peritonitis decreases from 1.21 (1980-84) to 0.48 (1985-89) ep/year (overall:0.68) with a significant (P < 0.001) reduction of the probability of developing the first peritonitis episode (FPE) through the same periods. The probability of developing FPE and the relative risk of peritonitis were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in pts for whom CAPD has been the first treatment (80.1%); on the contrary these parameters did not gain significant difference according to sex, age 65 years, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. As far as the organisms responsible for peritonitis are concerned a significant reduction of S. epid. and an increase of S. aureus, other Gram pos. and Pseudomonas was observed in the second 5-yr periods. Peritonitis episodes caused catheter removal in 8.2% of cases and were associated with catheter infection in 10.8% of cases. Peritonitis accounted for 24.2% of hospitalization causes and for 6.7% and 30.0% of death and of drop-out respectively. The probability of death and drop-out was significantly high (p < 0.001) in pts with a peritonitis incidence > 1 ep/year than in those with < 0.5 ep/year. The probability of drop-out due to peritonitis was not higher in diabetic or older patients.

Female↗

Antiproteinuric effect of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors in patients with primary glomerular disease and normal renal function.

The antiproteinuric efficacy of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) has been extensively investigated in patients with several types of nephropathy, but there are few data on the use of ACEI in patients with primary glomerular disease without renal function impairment. We evaluate the effect of long-term therapy with captopril on arterial pressure and proteinuria in 13 patients with primary glomerular disease, selected on the following criteria: persistent proteinuria greater than 600 mg/day, serum creatinine less than or equal to 1.5 mg/dl, no dietary restriction or antihypertensive or immunosuppressive therapy for at least 9 months prior to enrolment. Ten of 13 patients were normotensive. The treatment with captopril induced an early and persistent decrease in proteinuria (41%), and a significant increase in serum albumin. We did not find a significant correlation between changes in MAP and changes in protein loss or between variations in serum creatinine and in proteinuria. Our results demonstrate that captopril is effective in reducing proteinuria in patients with primary glomerular disease with normal renal function. Since the antiproteinuric effect is not associated to a concomitant decrease in arterial pressure, we presume that it might be due to a specific intrarenal action of captopril.

Adolescent↗

Do calcium channel blockers have any influence on the immunological status of renal graft recipients on ciclosporin therapy?

We have assessed the peripheral distribution of T cells, using the monoclonal antibodies OKT3, OKT4, OKT8 and LEU7 and the proliferative response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), in 10 renal transplant recipients. In each patient, the immunological pattern was evaluated twice, both before and after 1 month of calcium antagonist (calcium channel blockers, CaA) treatment. During treatment with CaA, we have observed both a significant decrease in the mitogenic response to PHA and a significant increase in OKT8 cells. Our data support the hypothesis that CaAs per se may have an immunomodulatory effect on T cell distribution independently of changes in ciclosporin (CS) blood levels. These results could also provide a cellular basis for synergism between CS and CaA.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Peritoneal equilibration curve for beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) in CAPD patients.

To evaluate B2M removal during CAPD, the equilibration curve was determined in 9 CAPD patients (aged 67.9 +/- 6.5 years, treated for 19.0 +/- 17.4 months). The study was carried out on 2 consecutive days using 1.36% (day 1) and 3.86% (day 2) dextrose dialysis solutions for 6 hours each day. The B2M plasma value was the mean of 4 samples taken at the start and after 2, 4 and 6 hours. Dialysate values were determined on 3 ml samples taken every 30 minutes. The curve was fitted for dialysate to plasma B2M ratio (D/P) versus time to define the B2M equilibration curve. Our results showed that the value had a linear regression with both types of solution in all patients. The D/P B2M ratio was linear during the 6 hours of dwell time. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the 2 solutions used. In conclusion, standard CAPD allows a low but constant B2M removal. An increase or a reduction in dwell time do not seem to have any influence on the B2M removal, which could be improved by methods other than varying dwell time and/or solution osmolarity.

Aged↗

[Hyperplasia of the coronoid processes causing limitation of mouth opening. A report of 4 cases].

Four cases of subtotal clamping of the jaws caused by bilateral hyperplasia of the coronoid processes are reported. The aetiopathogenetic theories are examined and clinical cases and therapy described. It is concluded that treatment can only be surgical because the mechanical obstacle between the lengthened coronoid apophysis and the internal surface of the malar bone has to be removed.

Adolescent↗

The acid-base balance and the electroencephalographic pattern in patients on biofiltration treatment.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring and arterial blood gases was performed during biofiltration (BF) treatment and during conventional acetate hemodialysis (HDA). Biofiltration is an ultrashort hemodiafiltration with 3 liters of substitution fluid (Na+ 145 mEq/l, HCO-3 100 mEq/l). Our data show a better correction of acid-base balance during BF than during HDA. Moreover, we observe a lower incidence of EEG disturbancies on BF, that suggests a better neurological tolerance of this treatment.

Acetates↗

[Acupuncture and adrenergic mechanisms of the autonomous nervous system].

A review of current knowledge about the involvement of peripheral adrenergic mechanisms in the action of acupuncture is presented. Apart from its undeniable effects on these mechanisms, acupuncture seems to operate in two different ways: indirect stimulation due to an aspecific response to the stress of the acupuncture and direct stimulation or depression, mainly of noradrenaline increase according to the placing of the needles and the condition being treated. During electroacupuncture anesthesia the inhibition of peripheral adrenergic mechanisms is proportional to the effectiveness of the induction.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

[Acupuncture and acetylcholine].

A review of the relationship between electro-acupuncture and acetylcholine is presented. Brain cholinergic mechanisms of areas such as hypothalamus, thalamus, locus coeruleus, caudatus-putamen complex and cortex are surely involved in the production of acupuncture analgesia; the role of peripheral cholinergic mechanisms is still disputed, although confirmed by a certain number of indirect positive results.

Acetylcholine↗

[Acupuncture and dopamine].

A review of present knowledge on the connection between acupuncture and dopamine is presented. It is pointed out that clinical studies on the use of acupuncture in diseases where there is a known imbalance in the cerebral dopaminergic mechanisms almost completely ignore this connection. Similarly studies on the role of dopamine in electroacupuncture analgesia have so far produced conflicting results.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

[Suppression of the opiate withdrawal syndrome with GABA analogs, low-dose psychotropic drugs and acupuncture].

15 male heroin addicts, 19-26 yr, were given 20 hospital treatments for detoxifying. Therapeutic program was based on GABAergic drugs (1-glutamine, sodium valproate, pyridoxine), low doses psychodrugs and acupuncture, added from the 3rd day. A full avoidance of the withdrawal syndrome was reached in 15 out of 18 Ss so treated with 8-10 hours following the last heroin injection, while the remaining 3 Ss experienced only a slight form of syndrome, which completely disappeared within the 24th hour. The 2 Ss manifesting evident symptoms of withdrawal and starting the therapeutic program respectively at the 20th and 32nd hour had their syndrome stopped and suppressed respectively within the 24th and 48th hour. Acupuncture accelerated the somatopsychic recovery leading to a lowering of the daily doses of the drugs used.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

Does chlordesmethyldiazepam have a specific anti-erotic effect? Report on five observations.

Five observations in adult subjects (4 female, 1 male) in which the administration of chlordesmethyldiazepam (2-4 mg/day) alone, or in association with other psychodrugs has demonstrated a specific anti-erotic action, with a short therapeutic latency period, reversible, and not found in other benzodiazepines (chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, lorazepam, flunitrazepam, prazepam) which the patients had previously taken, are presented in detail. One of the cases was diagnosed with Clérambault Syndrome of seven years' duration [Acta psychiat. belg., 82, 555-564 (1982)].

Adult↗

[Acupuncture as a part of a program of detoxification and weaning from opiates: 25 cases].

Presents results of a detoxification and habit loosing program carried out in 25 morphine-like substances addicts (mainly heroine) aged 19-26. The therapeutic treatment based on gabaergic drugs (l-glutamine, sodium valproate and piridoxine), low doses psychodrugs (tricyclics and benzodiacepines) and acupuncture, began in 13 subjects at the hospital and continued at the outpatients' service, while 12 subjects were treated only at the outpatients' service. Follow up: 6 subjects of the hospitalized group free from the addiction (5 subjects from more than 1 year after their discharge); 3 subjects of the outpatients' group abstinent from no more than 4 months after discharge. Biochemical mechanisms involved in this therapeutic program are extensively discussed.

Acupuncture Therapy↗