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Biomedical subjects

D Melina

Publications and source records attributed to D Melina.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Casual versus 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure recording in the evaluation of chronic administration of sustained-release verapamil.

Although ambulatory blood pressure monitoring has been used widely for the evaluation of antihypertensive treatment, little information is available regarding the comparison between this method and casual BP measurement during drug trials. In our study, we tested the efficacy of a new formulation of verapamil, 240 mg sustained-release tablets, and compared the degree of BP reduction as detected by casual (standard mercury manometer) and by 24-hour ambulatory recording (Spacelab ICR 5300). A statistically significant fall in casual BP was observed after verapamil with respect to placebo. Moreover, 24-hour, waking and sleeping ambulatory BPs were significantly reduced by verapamil. The mean BP reduction was similar for office (20.1/16.1 +/- 4.3/3.1 mmHg) and for day-time ambulatory monitoring (13.4/10.7 +/- 4.2/1.9 1.9 mmHg), but no correlation was found between BP fall recorded by the two techniques for individual subjects. This study suggests that sustained-release verapamil is an effective antihypertensive drug. Individual mean BP reduction outside the clinic may not be predicted from office readings and therefore ambulatory BP recording seems to provide a better basis for testing the efficacy of drugs.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Plasma markers of endothelial cells and platelet activation following handgrip in normals and hypertensive patients.

Endothelial injury and platelet activation may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertensive vascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in endothelial cell and platelet activation plasma markers after an acute physiological increase in blood pressure. Plasma renin activity (PRA), serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), plasma factor VIIIR:Ag, and plasma beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) were determined before and after handgrip in subjects with borderline (n = 8) and established (n = 11) hypertension and in age-matched normal volunteers (n = 10). A significant mean increase in ACE, factor VIIIR:Ag, and BTG was observed after handgrip in all groups of subjects. A greater response in BTG changes was found in hypertensive subjects when compared with normal subjects. No correlations were found between the blood pressure response after handgrip and the handgrip-induced changes in plasma markers of endothelial cells and platelet activation. Changes in endothelial cells and platelet activity occurring after handgrip did not appear to depend on the associated blood pressure elevations.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Effect of somatostatin on peripheral circulation. Preliminary study].

Somatostatin is a cyclic tetradecapeptide widely distributed in the human cells; it has many physiological effects. Synthetic somatostatin, actually employed in some clinical conditions, was administered intravenously to normal and arteriopathic subjects. Rheography and plethysmography of lower limbs were performed before, during and after administration. A marked improvement of blood flow and a reduction of heart rate was observed after somatostatin infusion. Some hypotheses about the mechanism of action of somatostatin are discussed, especially the action on the sympathetic nervous system or the calcium-antagonist effect on the blood vessels.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Cardiovascular problems in heroin dependence].

The main cardiovascular problems caused by heroin addiction are examined, with particular emphasis on acute pulmonary oedema, the most dangerous and dramatic complication, of which the pathogenetic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects are described.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Hyperuricemia in essential hypertension. Considerations on some pathogenic aspects].

Hyperuricaemia was encountered in 29% of 55 subjects with essential hypertension, who had not been treated with anti-hypertensive drugs, as against a 10% incidence in a group with normal blood pressure. No relationship between hyperuricaemia and level of hypertension was found. The normal glomerular filtration, the frequent reduction in uric acid clearance and its correlation with uricaemia are held to be indicative of a tubular defect in the excretion of uric acid, as a cause of hyperuricaemia. The reduction in renal plasma flow and its significant correlation with uricaemia and uric acid clearance are considered probable causes of reduced renal excretion. In conclusion it is hypothesised that hypertension triggers renal haemodynamic disturbances and hence hyperuricaemia.

Glomerular Filtration Rate↗
PubMed1980

[Semiological value of the electrocardiogram in pheochromocytoma].

ECG abnormalities of various types and extent were noted in subjects with pheochromocytoma. In the majority of cases, they regressed after surgical resection of the tumour. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed in the light of the functional and organic cardiac and vascular alterations induced by the abnormal increase in catecholamines. Reference is also made to the literature in support of the diagnostic and prognostic soundness of ECG with regard to both pheochromocytoma and any heart involvement it may cause.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗