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Biomedical subjects

G Ciprandi

Publications and source records attributed to G Ciprandi.

168 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Deflazacort in the treatment of uveitis: a comparative study versus prednisone.

Since corticosteroids represent a fundamental tool in the treatment of uveitis, we evaluate the clinical efficacy and possible appearance of side effects of deflazacort, a new corticosteroid of third generation, versus prednisone at equiactive dosages. Sixty six patients suffering from recurring acute anterior uveitis (RAAU) and/or chronic anterior uveitis (CAU) were treated with deflazacort or alternatively prednisone in an "open" study. Clinical efficacy, ophthalmological parameters and haemato-bioassays were evaluated on admission and during the treatment period. All patients showed a complete remission of clinical signs and symptoms with both treatment and no statistically significant difference was evidenced between the studied groups. Concerning the possible appearance of side effects, the comparison between deflazacort and prednisone a statistically significant difference. These preliminary results are strongly encouraging and suggest further controlled studies on the employment of deflazacort in the treatment of uveitis.

Acute Disease↗

Quantitative determination of fibronectin (FN): evaluation of immunoturbidimetric and rate nephelometric techniques for FN assay in the different biologic materials.

Aim of this study is to determine fibronectin concentration in the different biological materials to study its changes in the anatomic districts where the cell interactions in which FN participates do occur. The traditional immunoturbidimetric method and the nephelometric method are compared. An alternative method using a support for the collection of very small samples is proposed and the results obtained are discussed. This approach with solid phase immunonephelometry can be used both in amounts of biological fluids too small for traditional methods and in concentrations < 4.5 mg/dL. It is hoped that less complex techniques will be studied, allowing routine tests that can be performed by all laboratories. Unfortunately, at present this method is still investigated, however, it would be useful to adopt it in case of difficult sample collection.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Preseasonal specific immunotherapy with modified Phleum pratense allergenic extracts: tolerability and effects.

UNLABELLED: The preparation of chemically modified allergens, with a reduced IgE binding capacity (responsible for side effects with traditional immunotherapy) but with the same or greater immunogenic activity, is one of the paths followed to obtain better results with specific immunotherapy (IT). The aim of the study was to evaluate the tolerability and effects of an extract Phleum pratense, modified with glutaraldehyde and absorbed on aluminium hydroxide, in controlling the seasonal symptomatology induced by grass pollen in a group of 10 monosensitized patients, compared to a group of 10 similar patients not treated with specific IT but with drugs alone. The monitoring parameters were: 1) Clinical: a) symptomatology after specific conjunctival provocation test (pre and post seasonal) and during the natural exposure to the allergen b) drug consumption. 2) Immunological (peripheral blood eosinophils, total and specific IgE, total specific IgG). 3) Cytological, before, during and after the pollen season. CONCLUSIONS: In subjects treated with specific IT a) both the overall symptomatology and the drug consumption resulted significantly reduced compared to the controls (p = 0.045); b) the phlogistic infiltrate showed a tendency to decrease during the pollen season; c) the peripheral blood eosinophils, total and specific IgE and IgG did not show any significant variation compared to the controls; d) no systemic reactions occurred and there were only two slight local reactions.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Treatment of allergic diseases during pregnancy.

Pregnancy may variously modify the natural history of allergic disorders through occurring endocrinologic, functional and immunological changes. A pharmacologic treatment of allergic diseases (mainly asthma) is often necessary during pregnancy. On the other hand, a drug should be not potentially teratogenic and should not have serious side effects, both for the mother and the fetus. This paper reviews current knowledge about allergic diseases during pregnancy, considering the points of view of the different specialists involved in their management. Topical mucosal agents seem to be the safest, due to their minimal or absent absorption which should reflect reduced side effects. Preferred agents should be topical antihistamines (for rhinitis and conjunctivitis), and cromones and topical steroids (for asthma), as they are both safe and effective.

Female↗

Cetirizine reduces conjunctival nonspecific hyperreactivity in children with mite allergy.

As mite allergy is characterized by a continuous allergen exposure, persistent inflammation is always detectable even during symptomless periods. It has been reported that mite allergic patients present a nonspecific hyperreactivity to different stimuli, including hyperosmolar solution. Since it has been reported previously that cetirizine is able to reduce minimal persistent inflammation due to mite allergy, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of cetirizine on nonspecific conjunctival hyperreactivity. Twenty children with mite allergy were studied; two hyperosmolar conjunctival challenges were performed before and after cetirizine or placebo treatment, lasting one week. Patients treated with cetirizine showed a significant reduction in nonspecific conjunctival hyperreactivity compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, cetirizine was able to reduce nonspecific hyperreactivity related to allergic inflammation.

Animals↗