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Biomedical subjects

E Ricchi

Publications and source records attributed to E Ricchi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS): preliminary report in patients with lymphoma associated with HIV infection.

In an ongoing phase II study, 12 patients with lymphoma and HIV infection were treated with zidovudine (ZDV) and recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) to evaluate if this association may produce beneficial effect on the immunologic status and the outcome of lymphoma. The protocol included daily doses of rIL-2 at 6 MIU/m2 over 5 days in c.i. per week for a total 4 courses; ZDV was associated at 600 mg/d in the period under study. An improved CD4 count, exceeding 2- to 4-fold the basal count, was obtained in patients with a basal CD4 number greater than 100/microliters accompanied by a significant increase of NK and LAK activity (p less than 0.001). From the clinical point of view the reduction of tumor manifestation was proportional to CD4 basal number; 2 patients from those with CD4 greater than 100/microliters obtained a complete remission after rIL-2 and ZVD. The p24 antigen, taken as parameter of viral replication, remained invariably negative after rIL-2 and ZDV in patients already negative and became negative in 1 patient previously positive. Our conclusion is that the association of rIL-2 and AZT is safe and useful in patients with lymphoma and HIV infection.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1992

[Thoracic lymphoma and AIDS].

During the past 4 years, 122 patients with AIDS and 20 with thoracic lymphoma associated to AIDS were observed. There were 18 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, mostly at a high grade and a high b-cell stage (Burkitt's or Burkitt-like lymphoma) (16 cases). This prevalence reflects the general increase in the number of neoplasms secondary to immunosuppression, which goes along with the improvement of prevention and the control of opportunistic infections. Out of these 20 lymphomas in AIDS, 5 (25%) produced thoracic lesions; in 4 cases, the initial site of the disease was in a thoracic site. The frequency of such expressions is greater that reported in the literature. The radiological appearances are atypical relative to the classical signs of lymphoma in the general population, with predominantly nodular forms (60%) or peripheral, fast-growing masses that are likely to invade the thoracic wall. Isolate lymph node invasion is possible, as well as pleural effusion. Though not pathognomonic, this appearance is highly suggestive of lymphoma in AIDS (LDS) in HIV-positive patients. In all patients with pulmonary lymphoma, CT showed bilateral lesions in a greater number than plain radiography had shown, with morphological and CT appearances that allowed a correct approach of the diagnosis and an appropriate choice of the site of biopsy.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Monitoring of several hematological parameters of the erythroid series in patients with HIV infection treated with zidovudine].

Haematologic toxicity is the most common adverse effect related to long-term administration of zidovudine (AZT). We evaluated the kinetics of modifications of some haematologic parameters of erythroid series in 65 patients with HIV infection treated with AZT for a mean duration of 7.6 +/- 4.7 months (13 of them with a previous diagnosis of AIDS, 34 with ARC, 18 asymptomatic or with LAS/PGL), in order to correlate the observation and the evolution of these laboratory changes with the onset of severe anaemia. The development of macrocytosis occurs in a large majority of AZT-treated subjects, in spite of folate and vitamin B12 supplementation; the monitoring of erythrocytes distribution according to cellular volume and cellular haemoglobin concentration makes it possible to early recognize the occurrence of modification in erythropoiesis. There is no correlation between an elevated mean corpuscular volume and the development of severe anaemia (Hb less than or equal to 9 g/dl) in an individual patient; a fall in the reticulocyte count appears to be the earliest peripheral blood sign of the development of bone marrow toxicity.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Thoracic lymphoma in AIDS].

Over the last 4 years, we observed 122 patients with AIDS and 20 with AIDS-related lymphomas (ARL) in the chest. Eighteen of the latter were non-Hodgkin's forms, mostly high-grade and high-stage B-cell (Burkitt or Burkitt-like) types (16 cases.) This prevalence reflects the overall increase in neoplasms secondary to immunodepression, which is parallel to improved prevention and control of opportunistic infections. Of 20 ARLs, 5 (25%) presented thoracic lesions; in 4 of them the onset of the disease was localized in the chest. The incidence of such manifestations is higher than that reported in the literature. Moreover, radiological features are quite atypical relative to the "classical" signs of lymphoma in the general population, with predominant (60%) nodules or quickly-growing peripheral masses which may subsequently invade chest walls. Isolated nodal enlargement is also a possible finding, as well as pleural effusion. This pattern, though not pathognomonic, is highly suggestive--in HIV-positive patients--of ARL. In all the patients with pulmonary lymphoma CT demonstrated bilateral lesions--more than conventional X-rays--with morphologic and densitometric features which helped make the correct diagnosis. Moreover, CT was helpful in choosing the appropriate site for biopsy.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Trans-suture mechanical colorectal anastomosis using a double stapler in the anterior resection of the rectum. Technical note].

The spread of mechanical staplers now makes it possible to perform anastomoses in anterior resections of the rectum that are easier and safer than manual ones. Certain related problems are well known, particularly in patients with narrow pelvis and, in low anastomoses, the fashioning of the tobacco pouch on the distal rectal stump. The technique of transutural mechanical colorectal anastomosis with circular stapler after closure of the rectal stump with linear stapler is described in detail. Advantages of the technique are: anastomoses that are technically easier and safer because making of the tobacco pouch on the distal rectal stump is avoided; pollution of the operating field is reduced to the minimum; there are no problems related to differences in lumen of the colorectal stumps.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1990

[Clinical and immunologic test of the activity of a polymicrobial vaccine in patients with chronic bronchitis during a flare-up].

The authors evaluated the effect of an orally administered polymicrobial vaccine in a group of chronic bronchitis patients in order to assess its efficacy in preventing recurrent infections and as adjuvants during minor acute episodes. Compared to the control group, vaccinated patients had 1) a reduced number of flare-ups, and these were less severe and symptoms were improved; II) lymphocyte phenotype was not altered in any of the patients but nevertheless the response to skin tests for delayed sensitivity was improved in the vaccinated patients only; III) more rapid symptomatic improvement of flare-ups. The authors stress the improvement of cell-mediated lymphocyte function as a result of vaccination, probably due to macrophage activation and with resulting improvement of the clinical course of the bronchial disorder.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[New approaches in the diagnosis of pelvic recurrence after the Miles intervention].

The Authors refer some diagnostic and therapeutic observations about pelvic-perineal recurrence after abdominal-perineal excision of rectum (AAP). They analyze new possibilities of diagnostic instrumentation, in particularly TC and RM scanner, comparing the results and valuing the sensibility and specificity in a selected group of patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Thoracic manifestations of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)].

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) seems to be related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and is characterized by severe T-helpers lymphocyte dysfunction. Many of the AIDS patients (47-70%) develop pulmonary manifestations, both infectious and neoplastic, in the course of their disease. In the Department of Infectious Diseases of our Hospital are studied many patients HIV+. Every year 246 seropositive new patients have been discovered. Among them we have studied 25 subjects with respiratory disease, by chest radiographs; successively, according to clinical picture, we have performed thoracic computed tomography, Gallium scintigraphy, fiberoptic bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy (TBB), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); the majority of these patients (68%) had AIDS, only 28% had ARC and 4% had PGL. In our experience, the diagnosed diseases were mainly infections (92%), and most frequently (52%) due to Pneumocystis carinii, alone or in association with other etiologic agents. We have not found pathognomonic radiographic abnormalities, but chest X-ray evaluated with clinical and laboratory data, may often be useful to obtain diagnostic indications and in order to determine a more specific and aggressive diagnostic approach.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMed1987

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity in intravenous (i.v.) drug abusers in three cities of Italy: possible natural history of HIV infection in i.v. drug addicts in Italy.

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies and the symptoms induced [persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL), AIDS-related complex (ARC), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)] was evaluated in several groups of intravenous (IV) drug abusers in three large Italian cities (Milan, Bologna, and Rome). The earliest evidence of seropositivity in sera collected from patients with acute viral hepatitis dates back to 1979 in Milan and to 1981 in Bologna with peaks in 1983 in both cities. In two groups of IV drug addicts on methadone-maintenance treatment at assistance centers, the prevalence of seropositivity differed sharply between Rome (33.3%) and Milan (69.3%) in 1985. Rates of seroconversion were also found to be higher in Milan than in Bologna and Rome. When a population of IV drug abusers voluntarily attending centers for surveillance of AIDS and/or ARC were investigated, high levels (range 55.2-81.5%) of seropositivity were found in the three cities. ARC prevalence among seropositives was very high (range 48.1-64.2% in 1985) in the three cities. The evolution rate to AIDS in Milan was higher among those attending a center for AIDS surveillance (7.4%) than among those attending an assistance center for methadone treatment (0.9%). These data are compatible with the hypothesis that virus infection among IV drug abusers originated in and then spread widely in Northern Italy (Milan first and then Bologna). Both the first appearance and subsequent spread of virus infection are in keeping with the reported occurrence of AIDS cases in the corresponding three regions of Milan, Bologna, and Rome.

AIDS-Related Complex↗