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Biomedical subjects

R Gaggero

Publications and source records attributed to R Gaggero.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Computed EEG topography (CET) and childhood epilepsy: two years experience.

The statistical data obtained with the use of computed EEG topography (CET) in a diagnostic study on 65 epileptic children are reported briefly. The CET technique has proved to be particularly useful in establishing the focal origin of paroxystic activity in a high percentage of cases of generalized epilepsies presumed to be primary (33%) or secondary (88%), and for localizing areas of brain function abnormality not detected by other diagnostic techniques.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

CSF anomalies in children affected by Epilepsia Partialis Continua (EPC).

In two children affected with "Epilepsia Partialis Continua" (EPC) of progressive type, probably secondary to a slow encephalitis, the percentage of T-lymphocytes in CSF was lower than normal (30% compared to 90%). The CSF-T-lymphocytes are characterized by their ability to form E-rosettes. In one patient signs of intrathecal synthesis of IgG, especially oligoclonal bands at isoelectrofocusing, were observed. These results confirm, that in this type of EPC some immunological parameters in the CSF are impaired; so the aetiological hypothesis of an infectious disease, caused by a non-conventional viral agent, is supported.

Atrophy↗
PubMed1988

Secondary generalized epilepsy in childhood: EEG patterns and correlation with responsiveness to benzodiazepines or ACTH (preliminary note).

Secondary generalized epilepsy in childhood, characterized by absences or minor motor seizures, occurs in the forms of various syndromes, as defined by current classifications. EEG often shows continuous or subcontinuous paroxysmal activity associated with partly reversible psychomotor or mental regression. The paroxysmal activity can exhibit one of two distinct patterns: "organized" or "disorganized," although intermediate forms are common. The two patterns differ not only morphologically but also in the responsiveness to drug or hormone therapy, reactivity to stimuli, sleep changes and frequency of disordered slow rhythms. These features are illustrated by means of a survey of 10 cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment of electrical status epilepticus by short diazepam (DZP) cycles after DZP rectal bolus test.

The effects of rapid rectal diazepam introduction (DZP test) were investigated in 43 patients (age range 5 months-14 years) with electrical status epilepticus (ESE) undergoing EEG monitoring. A remission of the paroxysmal activity was obtained in 58% of cases, a negative response in 42%, particularly in hypsarrhythmic patterns. DZP test responders were aged over 12 months with organized paroxysmal EEG patterns, in particular with ESE during sleep (ESES). The patients who responded to the DZP test underwent short cycles (3-4 weeks) of relatively high dosage DZP (0.5-0.75 mg/kg). The response to treatment was positive in 64%, particularly in ESES conditions. 56% of responders to the DZP test but not to DZP therapy (five out of nine patients) presented a significant mental retardation; maturational factors were also likely to be present.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Occlusion of unilateral carotid artery in Down syndrome.

The association between moyamoya phenomena and Down syndrome (DS) is reported in the literature. This paper reports a case of DS, which at age 9 presented right hemiparesis, secondary to the occlusion of the left internal carotid artery; cerebral angiography (CAG) showed a collateral circulation that mimicks the moyamoya phenomenon. Clinical recovery was almost complete; a second CAG after 15 months showed a persistent occlusion of the left internal carotid artery and an opacification of the left middle cerebral artery from abnormal vessels; but the collateral circulation is not enhanced. This case proves that in DS cerebrovascular occlusions may present moyamoya-like phenomena. These differ however from the true moyamoya disease in a number of aspects: the arterial occlusion is unilateral, the evolution is favorable and revascularization does not occur through the peculiar abnormal vessels of the moyamoya syndrome.

Angiography↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Neurogenic hypernatremia syndrome in children].

Chronic "neurogenic" hypernatremia is the consequence of defective thirst mechanism either alone or in combination with impaired osmoregulation of ADH release. Both the specific receptors and the structures involved in hormonal secretion are localised in the hypothalamic area. "Neurogenic" hypernatremia can be secondary to a hypothalamic lesion of different type (neoplastic, vascular, malformative) or rarely it can be idiopathic. We present three cases: two females 4 and 5 months old, affected by cerebral malformations involving midline structures of the brain (III ventricule, corpus callosum etc.) and a male 4 years old with a idiopathic form. We discuss the relationship between the origin of the cerebral malformations and the ontogeny of the structures involved in the control of the osmolarity. Moreover we have observed that the hypernatremia in associated with hyperlipemia: the pathogenetic hypothesis explaining this abnormality are discussed.

Brain↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Critical remarks about the monitoring of antiepileptic drug levels in pediatric age (author's transl)].

The clinical use of blood dosages of antiepileptic drugs in a pediatric population is discussed. This study is focused on three main problems: 1) Analysis of the causes affecting the relationship between posology and blood levels of antiepileptic drugs. The significance of age and pharmacologic interaction are stressed. 2) Critical discussion of the meaning of therapeutic range. It is confirmed that, especially in pediatric age, it is not possible to establish a clear cut parallelism between blood level and therapeutic response. 3) Study of the relationship between blood level and side effects; chronic effects on hepatic function are specially considered.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Neurological and psychic side effects of antiepileptic drugs in pediatric age (author's transl)].

Neurological and psychic side effects of anticonvulsivant drugs in pediatric age are separately considered. Neurological side effects are classified according to different ages: in the neonatal period sedation is preeminent, later psychomotor deterioration or cerebellar and/or extrapyramidal signs may occur. Less frequently antiepileptic drugs are responsible of worsening of seizures up to a toxic encephalopathy. Psychic side effects are more variable and unpredicatable. The same drugs can cause both psychomotor excitement or psychic slowness. In a few instances psychotic syndromes can be observed. Very important are chronic side effects on intellectual activities, especially in children. Finally some factors which can affect the interpretation of the side effects have to be considered: pharmacokinetic data individual reactivity, methodology of evaluation of clinical symptoms, especially psychic ones.

Age Factors↗