Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to G Bertini.
A case of paralytic syndrome of an upper limb in a healthy young man following the application of a tourniquet, accidentally inflated to a pressure of more than 200 mmHg during an operation, is described in which motility was fully recovered after 3 months. The importance of checking equipment periodically is stressed.
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The authors present the results of 13 cases operated for subcutaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus. Transferral of the extensor indicis proprius was employed in 12 cases and tenodesis involving the extensor pollicis brevis was performed in 1. Results are best when abduction and retropulsion of the thumb are restored. Testing of the correct tension of the transferral procedure is emphasized.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
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Here we present two cases of latex hypersensitivity. The clinical manifestations were conjunctivitis, urticaria, angioedema and dermatitis. The patients presented positive skin prick test (SPT) to latex with a commercial extract and by pricking through a latex surgical glove. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) to latex and patch testing to common additives and to latex were negative. Skin prick tests with fruits (banana, kiwi, pineapple, apricot, avocado, grape) were positive but children presented no symptoms after ingestion of these fruits. These case reports are presented to heighten awareness of the potential of latex allergy also in children.
Supraventricular arrhythmias are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Despite their common anatomical origin above the division of His' bundle into bundle branches, these arrhythmias have profoundly different electrophysiological mechanisms, clinical significances and responses to treatment. Although 12-lead surface ECG usually enables correct identification, facilitating treatment choice in the emergency room, electrophysiologic testing to determine the site of origin and the pathway of the arrhythmia may be necessary for the management of definitive treatment. Drug therapy is efficient for conversion to sinus treatment in 80-90% of patients with new onset arrhythmias. Class Ic antiarrhythmics (propafenone and flecainide) are particularly useful for atrial fibrillation, while adenosine and verapamil are the drugs of choice for reentry tachycardias. Atrial flutter is a noteworthy exception, and DC shock is often required to terminate the arrhythmia. The results of antiarrhythmic therapy for long term prevention of recurrences are often disappointing. Recent surgical and technological developments, in particular transcatheter ablation procedures, now allow definitive resolution of most reentrant arrhythmias, including preexcitation syndrome. This report discusses current concepts regarding the management of supraventricular arrhythmias.
Natural rubber latex allergy is responsible for a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms ranging from rhinoconjunctivitis to severe anaphylaxis both in adults and children. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of latex sensitization in children evaluated for allergic disease. Four hundred fifty three consecutive children evaluated for allergic disease in a university outpatient allergy clinic were screened. A detailed clinical history with particular attention to the past surgical history and the use of natural dummies or pacifiers was obtained. Skin prick tests (SPT) for the more important inhalants and foods were performed on all children. In patients with positive latex SPT, latex challenge and RAST as well as patch test with latex were also done. Ten out 326 atopic children (3%) presented positive skin test to latex, but only five (1.5%) also had a positive clinical history to latex exposure. Latex challenge was positive in 3/9 positive latex SPT children. None of the non-atopic children had positive skin test to latex or symptoms to latex exposure. A history of previous surgery was found in 5/10 positive latex SPT children, in 63/316 negative latex SPT atopic children (p < 0.05) and in 23/127 non-atopic children. The use of natural dummies or pacifiers was similar in atopic (positive or negative latex SPT) and non-atopic children. RAST to latex was positive in 5/10 positive latex SPT children. Latex SPT sensitivity was demonstrated in a moderate proportion of atopic children (3%) even if only half of these patients had a positive clinical history to latex exposure. Latex challenge was positive in 3 out 9 latex SPT positive children. SPT to latex is a safe and simple method to detect sensitive patients and should be included in the routine PT series of inhalant allergens.