PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R Ferraris

Publications and source records attributed to R Ferraris.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Diagnostic value of serum immunoreactive conjugated cholic or chenodeoxycholic acids in detecting hepatobiliary diseases. Comparison with levels of 3 alpha-hydroxy bile acids determined enzymatically and with routine liver tests.

The diagnostic value of the enzymatic fluorometric method for total serum bile acids (TSBA) and for radioimmunoassay measurement for conjugated cholic acid (CCA) or chenodeoxycholic acid was compared with that of routine liver function tests in 223 patients with liver disease, 88 healthy subjects, and 118 patients affected by other diseases. The value of the tests for screening in the general population was assessed by simulation, using estimates of disease prevalence. TSBA was significantly more sensitive (78%) but less specific (94%) than CCA (sensitivity of 69%, specificity of 98%). Aspartate aminotransferase was nearly as sensitive (74%) as TSBA, but significantly less specific (93%) than CCA. CCA provided the highest positive predictivity (98%), even in a screening simulation (32%). With the use of sequential aspartate aminotransferase measurement followed by CCA, this value rose to 100%. This test procedure appears to be the best screening method for liver diseases available at present.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Physiology of ileoanal anastomosis with ileal reservoir for ulcerative colitis and adenomatosis coli.

A physiologic and metabolic assessment was carried out on eight patients six months after total proctocolectomy with ileal reservoir for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatosis coli. All patients were continent and able to defecate spontaneously, stool frequency ranging from two to five per 24 hours. Anal sphincter resting pressures (35 +/- 14 mmHg) and squeeze pressures (88 +/- 24.2 mmHg) were similar to those of a healthy population, with the exception of one patient's complaint of nocturnal mucous leakage per anus. Biopsies of the ileal mucosa of the reservoirs showed a mild inflammation in seven patients; in one a subtotal villous atrophy (plus glandular pattern) was found. Anthropometric measurements, lymphocyte counts, hemoglobin, albumin, transferrin, iron, B12, and folate were normal in all. In the majority of patients there was no evidence of bacterial overgrowth. Vitamin B12 absorption was reduced slightly in only one patient. Lipid absorption (as judged by the 14C-Triolein breath test) was abnormal in three patients. Fecal clearance of alpha 1 antitrypsin as protein losses index was abnormal in three patients. Bile acid malabsorption was the most important ileal dysfunction observed in the patients.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗
PubMed1987

[Structural and histochemical characterization of a struma ovarii].

We have studied the thyroid tissue present in a cystic ovarian teratoma with the purpose of characterizing its structural and histochemical components. The methods of hematoxilyn and eosin, PAS, PAS/sialidase, Alcian blue at pH 2.5 and 1.0, were used, as well as, blocking reactions, Cason's thrichromic, and toluidine blue at pH 3.8. In the tissue we observed zones with follicles of normal appearance that varied considerably in size. The epithelium was constituted by cuboid cells surrounding a colloid substance of uniform aspect, that was strongly acidophilic, PAS positive and with variable reactivity with toluidine blue and weakly alcianophilic. With the thrichrome method, the different follicles stained in different tones. Parafollicular clear cells, bigger and less basophilic than follicular ones, with a nucleus having a lax chromatin, were identified. Cystic follicles were observed in whose cavities were conspicuous histyocytes surrounding rests of colloid substance, with metachromatic and PAS positive granules in their cytoplasm. Some groups of follicles were rudimentary, scarcely differentiated, and mostly without colloid. Others, with a greater degree of differentiation, showed diminutes follicles with intensely basophilic and PAS positive colloid. Beasides, follicular groups with excessive content of colloid appeared very distended and lined by a flat epithelium. According to the characteristics analyzed it may be concluded that: 1) it is a highly differentiated monoblastic teratoma, in which it appears non-encapsulated thyroid tissue; 2) the tumor resembles in different areas, either normal thyroid tissue, thyroid adenoma of the macrofollicular type, fetal or microfollicular and solid or embryonary adenoma, and follicles with the pattern of "thyroiditis".

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[A case of splenic abscess in a drug addict with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome].

The complex diagnostic procedure involved in a case of splenic abscess in a young drug addict as a result of septicaemia caused by streptococcus fascalis is described and discussed with an examination of the criteria in support of a more aggressive approach to the removal of septic foci in such patients with AIDS. It is concluded that such criteria are valid even when, as in the case described, splenectomy further depresses the immune system.

Abscess↗
PubMed1986

Use of a gamma-labeled bile acid (75SeHCAT) as a test of ileal function. Methods of improving accuracy.

The object of the present study was to improve the accuracy of measurements of ileal function obtained by abdominal scanning and fecal counting after oral administration of the gamma-labeled bile acid 75seleno-homocholic acid-taurine (75SeHCAT), as current techniques do not distinguish between retention of the bile acid within the enterohepatic circulation from retention within the colon, and are also affected by incomplete stool collection when using the fecal method. We have therefore introduced the following modifications: (a) simultaneous ingestion of 51CrCl3 as a nonabsorbable correction marker for both the abdominal scanning and fecal counting methods; and (b) the use of 75SeHCAT counts over the gallbladder area on abdominal scanning, because these counts should be independent of colonic retention. We have studied 42 subjects, including 6 healthy controls, 6 ileal resection subjects, 15 ulcerative colitis patients, and 15 patients with unresected ileal Crohn's disease. Colonic retention (0%-68% per day) caused a variable overestimate of 75SeHCAT absorption. Corrected measurements of the fecal absorption index determined by a gamma-counter and of the abdominal absorption coefficient determined by a gamma-camera correlated well with each other (r = 0.92, p less than 0.0001), providing an internal validation of the 51CrCl3 modification. The fecal absorption index could also be determined from the carmine-rich stool collection of a single day, and this also correlated well with the abdominal absorption coefficient (r = 0.81, p less than 0.0001). Gallbladder scanning alone was simpler, involving only one isotope, but it correlated less well with the fecal absorption index than did the abdominal absorption coefficient (r = -0.64, p less than 0.001).

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Use of vasopressin in the treatment of acute hemorrhagic lesions of the stomach. Our experience].

Since bleeding from acute lesions of the gastric mucosa can cease spontaneously and the mortality rate of emergency surgery is high, conservative treatment is always preferable. Satisfactory results were obtained with continuous infusions of vasopressin in low doses (0.2 U/kg/hr for 8 hours) so that this treatment appears a valid alternative to more recent techniques (somatostatin).

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1985

[Use of vasopressin in the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices. Our experiences].

Results obtained in the control of oesophageal varix rupture haemorrhage by intravenous vasopressin perfusion or selective intraarterial administration are reported. This comparative study shows intravenous administration to be the best method since it produces the same therapeutic effects with fewer undesirable side-effects than when administered arterially. In view of the high level of complications caused by selective arterial catheters, this administration method would only appear justified in cases where selective arterial catheterisation is to be carried out in any case.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Diagnostic and therapeutic problems in angiodysplasias of the digestive tract].

After a review of recent literature on angiodysplasias of the digestive system, a diagnostic procedure based on personal experience is proposed for haemorrhagic patients. Criteria for the selection of treatment protocols are then proposed for cases where angiodysplasia is recognised as the cause of the bleeding.

Angiography↗
PubMed1984

[Use of vancomycin in the treatment of severe Staphylococcus aureus infection. Description of 3 cases].

In recent years, the diffusion of antibiotic multiresistant staphylococcus strains in hospitals (especially aureus and epidermis) has created serious drawbacks as regards the treatment of severe septic forms and the systemic spread of these bacteria. The results of endovenous vancomycin treatment in three cases of sepsis with secondary localisations (endocarditis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia) caused by gram positive staphylococcus aureus are examined. The pharmaceutical was found to be effective in all cases and free from significant side effects.

Adolescent↗