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Biomedical subjects

D Costantini

Publications and source records attributed to D Costantini.

46 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Double-blind study of an immunomodulator of bacterial origin (Biostim) in the prevention of infectious episodes in chronic bronchitis].

A double-blind trial was conducted to evaluate the capacity of an immunomodulator of bacterial origin (Biostim) to diminish the frequency of infectious episodes in chronic bronchitis. The study duration was 9 months, Biostim being administered orally initially, with follow-up examinations after 2 and 4 months. Of the 73 subjects selected, 38 received Biostim and 35 a placebo (no significant differences between the two groups). By the 9th month, the duration in days of infectious episodes and of antibiotic therapy was 13 +/- 1.3 and 11.5 +/- 1.4 days respectively for the group receiving Biostim, and 33 +/- 5.8 and 41 +/- 9.5 respectively for the placebo group (p less than 0.05). No signs of intolerance and particularly no immunotoxicity were observed: absence of elevation of IgE or anti-Biostim antibody titres. Pre-winter administration of Biostim to subjects at high risk would appear to significantly diminish the frequency of infectious episodes and thus the consumption of antibiotics.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

[Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with electroacupuncture. Experience with 104 cases].

The essential or secondary trigeminal neuralgia is a very frequent and invalidant disease. In this forms, the medical or surgical conventional therapies are often inadequate. In this study we evaluated the effects of the acupunctural therapy on 104 patients (mean age 52.3 +/- 13 years) with idiopathic or secondary trigeminal neuralgia. Utilizing cycles of twelve sessions, the acupunctural treatment was performed with an electrostimulator on local points and a distance or on aching points, in the secondary forms. The results was evaluated on the basis of three parameters (reappearance of the symptomatology, absence of pain in months and preceding treatments) and was defined using this scale: very well, well, fair and null. In conclusion we can say that acupuncture is an elective treatment in all kinds of secondary tregeminal neuralgia, while, in the idiopathic form, its validity is conditioned by preceding medical treatments and by beginning of the disease.

Adult↗

[Use of new elastomeric pumps and PCA in postoperative pain control in thoraco-abdominal surgery].

36 patients submitted to interventions for thoraco-abdominal surgery has been submitted to antalgic post-operatory therapy with elastomeric pump at a continuous intravenous infusion and patient controlled analgesia (PCA). The patients have been randomized in three groups. The patients of the 1 degree group received 30 minutes before of the end of the surgical intervention 30 mg of Ketorolac. At the end of the anesthesia came started an infusion of 150 mg of Ketorolac (5 vials) in 60 ml of isotonic chlorinated solution at the rate of 0.5 ml/h. The pump had besides the capability of disperse a maximum of 4 bolus/ h, everyone of 0.5 ml, on demand of the patient. The 2 degrees group received a solution containing 60 ml of Morphine in 60 ml of isotonic chlorinated solution with the same formality of administration. The 3 degrees group (placebo) received 60 ml of isotonic chlorinated solution in pumps from infusion and Ketorolac intramuscular on demand. To the times T0 (awakening), T1 (3 h), T2 (6h), T3 (12 h), T4 (24 h), T5 (30 h, was collected algometrical consequences according to VAS (Visual Analogous Scale of Sc modification of the PA increase, FC, FR, SatO2.. The obtained results have highlighted like in the 1 degree group, to the 1 degree algometric consequence (T0), there is a good sedative effect on the pain (intensity of the middle low pain 3.70 +/- 1.64); this antalgic effect has also continued in the other consequences effected in the post-operatory. In the 2 degree group to the awakening (T0), the pain was middle-tall (5.50 +/- 2.32) and an expressive reduction appeared at the time T2 (3.60 +/- 1.35 P < 0.005). In the 3 degrees group have not recorded a diminution of the pain if not after 24 hours from the end of the intervention deposit the intramuscular antalgic therapy. In conclusion, the system infusion + PCA represents an indubitable advantage in comparison with the traditional antalgic therapy as for concern the entity of the reduction of the pain as because it permits the use of a smaller quality of drugs.

Abdomen↗

[Significance of antibiotic prophylaxis in infection prevention in biliary surgery. Personal experience].

Postoperative infections are one of the most frequent causes of morbidity in surgical patients. In biliary tract surgery the risk of septic complications is essentially increased by opening the bile ducts. Aim of this paper is to evaluate indications and effectiveness of short-term prophylaxis in preventing infective complications of biliary surgery. Authors report a personal six years review regarding 530 patients operated for biliary tract diseases. The patients were divided into two groups: the first one (n. 245) operated under short-term prophylaxis; the second one (n. 285) treated only postoperativelly with antibiotics. The results obtained show a significatively higher rate of infective complications in the second group of patients. There is a little difference between the groups in the case of elective cholecystectomy, whereas there is a great difference in case of non-elective surgery, bile ducts opening, external biliary drainages placement or sphincteropapillotomy. Authors furthermore emphasize how surgical results are conditioned by individual risk factors, especially obesity and diabetes.

Adult↗

[Thoracoscopic bilateral sympathectomy in Raynaud's syndrome. Anesthesiology problems].

The objective of this paper was to examine the major anaesthetic problems during transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy without artificial pneumothorax and to present our experience of 16 cases suffering from Raynaud's disease. For the perioperative management we used a double lumen endo-bronchial tube and balanced anaesthesia (intravenous agents plus isoflurane). Arterial pressure, heart rate, ECG, end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration, SatO2, blood gases and peak inspiratory pressures were monitored. The results showed that no significant changes in these parameters occurred during surgery. Since hypoxaemia is the main problem of the thoracoscopic sympathectomy the A.A. emphasize the necessity to ensure a correct ventilation as well as a haemodynamic stability throughout the procedure. The combination of balanced anaesthesia and double lumen endobronchial intubation seems an advisable method when no artificial pnx is instituted. A close monitoring of the circulatory and respiratory systems is imperative.

Adolescent↗

[Effects on ventilation secondary to laparoscopic and laparotomic cholecystectomy].

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of respiratory function after 24 hours from intervention related to two different surgical techniques of cholecistectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients submitted to cholecystectomy, nine by laparotomy and twenty-one by video-laparoscopy. The ventilatory parameters considered are as follows: CV, FCV, VEF1, FEF25-75%; and moreover also some variables of acid-base balance: pH, paCO2 e paO. RESULTS: In all cases was evidenced a decrease of respiratory activity. This phenomenon was more evident in the laparotomy group (CV = 37, 35, FCV = 41, 47, VEF1 = 40, FEF25-75% = 36.62% related to preoperative values versus 71.20, 80.88, 79.29, 77.91% in the videolaparoscopic group. No significative differences were registered between the two groups as to postoperative paO2, which was moderately lower in all patients, while no variation was observed for pH and paCO2. CONCLUSIONS: Data collected confirm that after laparoscopic cholecystectomy the ventilatory respiratory capacity is better conserved, that clinically means lower incidence of postoperatory pulmonary complications.

Adult↗

["Killing" of pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patients with critical post-operative complications. Effect of various antibiotics].

We undertook this study to estimate phagocytic killing by neutrophils (PMNs) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pre-exposed to sub-inhibitory concentration of Amikacin and Imipenem. In particular, we have isolated bacteria from endotracheal aspirates of post-operative patients mechanically ventilated admitted to an ICU with respiratory failure. PMNs were obtained both from these patients (Group A, n. 6) as well as from subjects submitted to surgery with uncomplicated post-operative period (Group B, n. 8). From specimens tested, 6 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated. Results showed that the rate of killing of bacteria treated with Amikacin was no different from that of untreated bacteria, whichever the source of PMNs, either from Group A or Group B patients. On the other hand, the microbicidal effect on P. aeruginosa exposed to Imipenem was significantly enhanced when PMNs were obtained from Group B patients. In the mixture bacteria, Imipenem and PMNs obtained from Group A the rate of killing was low, similar to the controls without antibiotics. Such a finding suggests a possible impairment of PMNs due to the critical disease and in some way responsible for the host adverse interaction between granulocytes, antibiotics and pathogens. The underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified and further studies are required to understand the possible clinical implications.

Aged↗

The treatment of cranio-facial pain by electroacupuncture and laser irradiation.

Craniofacial neuralgias represent an interesting medical challenge, especially regarding the complex therapeutical aspects. Our study was performed treating more than 700 patients, applying steel inox needles variable in diameters and length for about 20 minutes, with a total application number ranging between 10 and 20. Results have been defined referring to a 4-grades response scale: excellent, good, fairly good and insufficient. It is important to emphasise that the best results have been achieved with patients who chose the acupuncture as the first therapeutic approach, while patients who underwent other previous medical and/or surgical treatment have had a worse response. The authors assert that acupuncture and infrared laser reflex therapy represent a harmless and effective treatment of such a diffuse and invalidating disease.

Acupuncture Points↗