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Biomedical subjects

E Pirodda

Publications and source records attributed to E Pirodda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Small acoustic neuromas: monitoring the growth rate by MRI.

In a proportion of small acoustic neuroma patients, monitoring with magnetic resonance imaging shows no volumetric increase of tumour size over the years. The object of the study was to identify some indications for the clinical choice between immediate surgery (with the related risks) and watchful waiting. We performed a retrospective study of 47 non-surgically-treated patients affected by acoustic neuroma and monitored by gadolinium-enhanced MRI between January 1990 and February 1999. Six clinical variables (tumour size, sex, age, initial symptoms, ABR pattern and duration of the symptoms) were examined by univariate analysis. Chi-square test and variance analysis were performed to evaluate the statistical significance. In 30/47 (63.8%) cases, no growth was observed during the entire period of follow-up. In the remaining 17/47 (36.2%) patients, a volumetric increase was detected, most often within the first year of observation. The clinical factors examined did not significantly correlate with growth. Despite the relatively short period of observation, we believe that immediate surgery does not need to be considered mandatory for small acoustic neuromas, even in young patients. However the irregular behaviour of the tumour underlines the importance of monitoring with MRI at least once a year.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The problem of the sensorineural component in otosclerotic hearing loss: a comparison between operated and non-operated ears.

The behaviour of bone conduction audiograms in the operated and non-operated ears of 200 otosclerotic patients was analysed. The majority (84%) of both operated and unoperated ears showed virtually unchanged bone conduction thresholds throughout the follow-up period (mean follow-up period = 13.4 +/- 5.3 years). Slight but statistically significant bone conduction deterioration was observed in the remaining 16% of cases, most frequently in the non-operated ears. However, this deterioration was generally within the usually accepted limits of the Carhart effect, and does not demonstrate the presence of any causative factor other than evolution of the ostosclerotic disease. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that total stapedectomy per se may be responsible for sensorineural deterioration.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Effectiveness of and tolerance to azithromycin versus roxithromycin in the treatment of patients with acute infections of the upper respiratory tract].

A multicenter open prospective comparative study was carried out during two years enrolling 60 patients with upper respiratory infections. Thirty were treated with single daily 500 mg doses of azithromycin for three days, and 30 received two daily doses of roxithromycin of 150 mg each for seven days. Both treatments were equally well tolerated, and there was no substantial difference concerning clinical recovery. However, azithromycin treatment was more practical and of shorter duration.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1987

[Perennial allergic rhinitis. Prophylaxis of acute episodes using thymomodulin].

The therapeutical effectiveness of a calf thymic derivative (thymomodulin), orally administrable, in patients suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis is described. The use of thymomodulin for 4 months at the dosage of 120 mg daily in 20 patients significantly reduced (p less than 0.001), if compared with the previous year, the monthly mean frequency of allergic episodes. Also objective symptoms improved (p less than 0.05). The clinical course was associated with the normalization of IgE plasmatic levels (p less than 0.001) and consequently the mean of RAST and PRICK tests scores decreased (p less than 0.001). Eosinophil count was significantly reduced (p less than 0.001), while IgG serum levels were increased (p less than 0.02).

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1987

Anti-EBV antibody titers in Italian patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

In September 1983 we started the serological examination of all patients with a nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to evaluate whether the association between NPC and EBV is present even in Italy. At present we have data from 60 patients. This paper confirms the presence of the antibodies to EBV in 75% of Italian NPC patients with a significant difference in respect to control groups. Thus, we consider this serological test as a good marker for NPC and especially useful in cases presenting a difficult diagnosis. In our brief experience it seems that the same test is not so useful to indicate healing, stationariness, or the initial relapse of the tumor.

Antibodies, Viral↗