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R Polo

Publications and source records attributed to R Polo.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

[Esophageal manometry: methods of investigation and interpretation of results].

Standard manometry is still today the method of choice for investigating motor disorders of the esophagus. Fundamental elements in executing the test are suitable equipment, an execution technique following well established protocols and the adoption of univocal criteria for interpreting the results. In fact it is essential to use low compliance pneumo-hydraulic pumps and to perform the test in distinct steps to separately evaluate the features of the sphincter and the peristaltic activity of the esophageal body. Newly introduced technology (computerized analysis) authorizes an objective analysis of the tracing and the measurement of novel parameters, making it necessary however to re-evaluate the parameters of normalcy in the asymptomatic population. The manometric features of the lower esophageal sphincter, which define its competence (mean pressure at the point of respiratory inversion, abdominal length, total length), are probably better expressed by the mean pressure of the entire LES, by the area under the curve and by the Vector Volume. As far as motility of the esophageal body is concerned, computerized manometry provides for a more precise definition of the maximum amplitude of the esophageal contractions and an objective measure of their duration.

Esophagus↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Changes in carbohydrate metabolism in the HIV/AIDS patient].

Over the last few years, there has been a considerable reduction in the mortality and morbidity associated with HIV patients, due to the use of protease inhibitors which have led to a true revolution in the treatment of this infection. A new problem has arisen with the increased life expectancy: the onset of a plurimetabolic syndrome characterized by hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia and hyperglycaemia; in addition to anomalies in composition and distribution of body fat (central obesity and loss of peripheral fat) due to the associated lipodystrophy. As a result of the metabolic alterations, there is an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hyperglycaemia is the result of insulin resistance and is detected in between 13.6% and 46% of patients, possibly leading to type 2 diabetes (diagnosed in between 2.4% and 7% of the patients). These alterations have been documented as potentially related with the use of protease inhibitors and other drugs used in the handling of HIV patients. The appropriate treatment of altered metabolism of carbohydrate requires: 1) a customized dietary approach depending on individual BMI and lipid alterations; 2) a physical exercise programme; 3) the use of insulin sensitization drugs: metformin and thiazolidinediones and, where the therapeutic goals are not achieved or there is a contraindication for oral hypoglycaemic drugs; 4) insulin therapy with regimens similar to other diabetic patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Limitations of the traditional manometric test and advantages of computerized manometry in the study of esophageal motility].

The analysis of esophageal motility tracings is laborious, time consuming and subject to reader variability. The motility traces of five patients were analyzed separately by five experienced readers, in order to assess the inter and intra observer variability. Later on, the manual analysis of the motility traces of five healthy volunteers and four patients was compared to the automatic analysis performed by a computerized system. The inter- and intra-observer variability (expressed as coefficient of variation) was high in the manual analysis, especially for the abdominal length of the lower sphincter and the duration of the esophageal body contractions (coefficient of variation ranging from 18 to 43%). On the contrary, automatic readings proved almost identical to the means obtained by manual analysis (Pearson factor 0.988 for amplitude and 0.89 for the duration of contractions). Moreover, the computerized automatic analysis gave a significant time gain in respect to manual readings and eliminated the inter and intra-observer variability.

Electronic Data Processing↗