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Biomedical subjects

G Invernizzi

Publications and source records attributed to G Invernizzi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Effect of octreotide on neuroenolase levels in patients with small cell lung cancer.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The somatostatin analog octreotide has an antiproliferative effect on small cell lung cancer lines in vitro and in experimental xenograft transplantation systems in vivo. Thus it is worth investigating octreotide activity in the clinical setting. METHODS: We studied the effect of octreotide (200 micrograms three times a day subcutaneously for seven days) on serum levels of the tumor marker neuroenolase in 13 patients with small cell lung cancer. RESULTS: A decrease in neuroenolase levels was observed at day 7 during octreotide treatment, with a mean +/- SD of 32.6 +/- 42.0 ng/ml compared to basal values of 44.4 +/- 57.7 ng/ml and to washout values of 50.3 +/- 65.7 ng/ml (P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that octreotide is effective in reducing neuroenolase levels in small cell lung cancer patients. These data suggest a possible role for octreotide in the treatment of this kind of tumor.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Heterosexuals and HIV disease: a controlled investigation into the psychosocial factors associated with psychiatric morbidity.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity among HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative heterosexual men and women and to identify the psychosocial factors associated with psychiatric morbidity. Twenty-four asymptomatic HIV seropositive and twenty-six HIV seronegative heterosexuals were included in the study. Outcome measures included socio-demographic data, psychiatric history, current psychological status (Zung Self-Report Anxiety Scale, Zung Self-Report Depression Scale, Symptom Check List 90-R), Social Supports and Locus of Control Scales, and information on changes in work, social, and sexual life after HIV testing. There were no significant differences between HIV seropositive heterosexuals and HIV seronegative controls on any of the outcome measures. Levels of psychiatric morbidity were generally low and similar to those expected in a general out-patient medical population. Multiple regression analyses showed that degree of social support was the only significant factor associated with psychiatric morbidity. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

A reconsideration of the relationship between cerebral structural abnormalities and family history of schizophrenia.

In a study of 229 schizophrenic patients for whom reliable family history information was available, ventricular size and incidence of ventricular enlargement were found to be greater in male cases without a family history of schizophrenia. A significant sex by family history interaction on cerebral ventricular dimension was detected. The age-corrected morbid risk for schizophrenia was lower among first degree relatives of male probands with ventricular enlargement vs. those with normal ventricles, but similar in relatives of females with and without ventricular enlargement. On the other hand, no association was found between family history and degree of cortical atrophy. A meta-analysis of published studies on the issue revealed 20% larger ventricles in patients without any known genetic predisposition for schizophrenia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Some experiments in compressing angiocardiographic images according to the Peano-Hilbert scan path.

We defined and implemented three new irreversible compression techniques for digital angiocardiographic static images: brightness error limitation (BEL), pseudo-gradient adaptive brightness error limitation (PABEL), pseudo-gradient adaptive brightness and contrast error limitation (PABCEL). To scan digital images we implemented an algorithm based on the Peano-Hilbert plane filling curve. We applied our compression techniques to 168 static images selected from angiocardiographic 35-mm films. We achieved best compression results applying the PABCEL method, obtaining a mean compression ratio of about 8:1. Consulted cardiologists did not find significant diagnostic differences between original images and reconstructed ones.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1994

The efficacy and safety of tianeptine in the treatment of depressive disorder: results of a controlled double-blind multicentre study vs. amitriptyline.

Three hundred in- and outpatients suffering from depressive disorder, as diagnosed using DSM-III criteria were treated for 6 weeks under double-blind conditions in a multicenter controlled study of tianeptine vs. amitriptyline. Both groups presented steady improvement of depressive syndrome from day 7 up to the end of the treatment, as shown by all evaluation scales: HDRS, SAD, CGI. Furthermore, anxiety linked to the depressive syndrome decreased equally in both groups, as shown by the HARS measurements. In addition to the improvement of mood, the tianeptine-treated patients presented less somatic complaints and side effects when compared to the reference antidepressant. These results confirm previous findings that tianeptine is an effective antidepressant with a lower side effect profile than amitriptyline.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Multinational validation of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI)].

The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) is a fully structured diagnostic interview developed by the "Joint Project of World Health Organization (WHO) and Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA) on Diagnosis and Classification of Mental Disorders and Alcohol and Drug Related Problems". Its main features are: it is devised for use in epidemiological and trans-cultural fields, can be used also by non-medical staff, has a modular structure, and gives diagnoses simultaneously according to ICD-10 and DSM-III-R, covering respectively 39 and 32 diagnoses on Axis I. This paper explains the validation study which was performed simultaneously in 20 different Countries under the competence of WHO applying a traditional interviewer-observer protocol. The reliability indexes which were obtained are among the highest reported in the current literature for similar instruments, and good levels of trans-cultural applicability and feasibility were demonstrated. CIDI therefore proved to be a very precise and reliable diagnostic instrument.

Cross-Cultural Comparison↗
PubMed1994

[Psychopharmacological therapy in dementia].

The psychopharmacological approach plays an important role in dementia. In this illness several studies have been carried out, using neuroleptics and other drugs such as anxiolytics and hypnotics, lithium, beta-adrenergic blockers, antiepileptics and antidepressants. Results obtained, not always uniform, are still limited pointing out the need of new and more available trials.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1993

The psychosocial impact of HIV infection in women.

The aim of the investigation was to study the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity and psychosocial problems in HIV seropositive (HIV +ve) asymptomatic women. A cross-sectional controlled study including 57 HIV +ve women belonging to CDC group II and III (43 intravenous drug users and 14 non-IVDUs heterosexuals) and 23 HIV -ve women (15 intravenous drug users and 8 non-IVDUs heterosexuals) is reported. Outcome measures included, past psychiatric history, current psychological status (Zung Anxiety and Depression scales, Symptom Check List 90-Revised), Social Supports and Locus of Control Scales, and information on changes in work, social and sexual life after HIV testing. Results showed that HIV +ve women differed very little from HIV -ve controls regarding outcome measures and indeed for some variables HIV infected women had lower levels of psychological morbidity. Multiple regression analyses showed that alcohol misuse and a predominantly external locus of control accounted for the 29% of the variance of psychiatric distress (F = 9.23, p < 0.0006). The implications of the findings are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1993

The psychosocial impact of HIV infection in gay men, drug users and heterosexuals. Controlled investigation.

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity in HIV seropositive asymptomatic subjects belonging to three transmission categories (gay men, intravenous drug users, and heterosexuals) compared with that found in HIV seronegative controls from the same groups. A cross-sectional, controlled study including 279 seropositive subjects belonging to groups II and III defined by the Center for Disease Control (94 gay men, 157 intravenous drug users, and 28 heterosexuals) and 159 seronegative subjects (38 gay men, 91 intravenous drug users, and 30 heterosexuals) is reported. Outcome measures included standardised, self-report questionnaires and a semistructured interview to assess current psychopathological status and past psychiatric history. In addition, a psychiatric diagnosis according to DSM-III-R criteria Axis I and II was made in the seropositive subjects. Results showed that these subjects differed very little from the controls and that overall levels of psychiatric disturbances in both groups were low and similar to those found in other life-threatening illnesses. Furthermore, intravenous drug users, regardless of HIV serological status, had the highest levels of psychological morbidity. Psychosocial distress was associated with previous and current lifestyle, independently of HIV status.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[The psychological impact of HIV infection and the "burn-out" syndrome amongst health care workers dealing with HIV seropositive and AIDS patients].

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) health care personnel is faced with a life threatening disease and with problems concerning fear of contagion and sense of professional inadequacy in dealing with chronically and terminal patients who may be suffering from psychosocial and neuropsychiatric problems. Therefore, HIV/AIDS health care workers may develop the "burn-out syndrome" (BOS) that is characterized by emotional distress, lowered job productivity and spread of work problems to family and conjugal relationships. BOS aetiology involves individual, organizational and socio-cultural factors and its consequences may negatively affect quality of care of HIV/AIDS patients. BOS prevention includes continuing staff training and education on HIV-related issues and support groups for health workers.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Iopamidol in cardioangiography: a retrospective, multicenter study. Part I. Adult patients.

To evaluate the occurrence of complications during diagnostic or interventional catheterization a retrospective analysis of catheterization procedures in 12 Italian laboratories using the nonionic contrast medium (CM) iopamidol (370 mgI/ml) was performed. Data obtained on 26,219 patients greater than or equal to 14 years are presented. The overall complication rate was 1.89% (485/26,219). The overall mortality rate was 0.1% (27/26,219). Procedure related complications were 389 (1.48%) and CM related complications were 106 (0.4%). No death was attributed to CM. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) rate was 0.11% comparable to the low rate observed with nonionic CM in other studies and less than the rate observed in surveys concerning the use of ionic CM. Fifty-seven thrombotic events were recorded (0.22%), a rate comparable with other surveys with ionic and nonionic CM. The total complication rate (6.1%), the rates of coronary occlusion (1.34%), myocardial infarction (0.37%) and urgent coronary artery by-pass grafting (0.5%) in 1,348 coronary angioplasties were lower than those recorded in previous surveys. These data confirm a good tolerability and no increased risk of VF and thrombotic events with iopamidol in cardiac catheterization.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Iopamidol in cardioangiography: a retrospective, multicentre study. Part II. Paediatric patients.

To evaluate the complication rate in paediatric cardioangiography with the nonionic contrast medium iopamidol data on 8,166 procedures were retrospectively collected in 12 centres. The overall complication rate was 3.78% (309/8,166). 3.44% were related to the procedure, and 0.34% to the contrast medium. The mortality rate varied with age. It was higher in patients less than 2 months (0.38%) than in patients greater than 2 months-2 years (0.06%) and in patients older than 2 years (0.03%). The total complication rate was higher than the one observed in a similar retrospective analysis performed in adult patients (1.89%). This difference is probably due to higher risk conditions of the younger patients. However the contrast medium related complication rate (0.34% vs 0.4%) and the mortality rate (0.11% vs 0.1%) were comparable, confirming the good tolerability of iopamidol in cardiac catheterisation also in paediatric patients.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1992

Factors associated with psychological help-seeking in HIV disease.

The study was aimed at evaluating the psychosocial and psychopathological characteristics of individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection seeking psychological help compared with a sample not seeking help. Two hundred and seventy-one HIV seropositive (HIV+ve) subjects belonging to three transmission categories (90 gay men, 154 intravenous drug users and 27 heterosexuals) who were assessed at their first clinic appointment and offered access to psychological help were studied. Subsequently, it was found that 45 (17%) took advantage of the offer of psychological help, and attended a specialist clinic, while 226 (83%) did not seek help. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to establish the characteristics of subjects who received psychological help. Results showed that five factors identified at the time of first clinic appointment were significantly associated with seeking psychological help subsequently: (1) having a current DSM-III-R Axis I psychiatric diagnosis; (2) being single; (3) belief of being affected by a serious physical illness (negative correlation); (4) higher level of education; and (5) no past or current history of substance misuse. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1992

Risk of deliberate self-harm and factors associated with suicidal behaviour among asymptomatic individuals with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

The study was aimed at evaluating the risk of deliberate self-harm (DSH) and factors associated with suicidal behaviour in 213 asymptomatic individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in 3 transmission categories (68 gay men, 123 intravenous drug users and 22 heterosexuals). The results showed that 12 HIV-seropositive (HIV+) subjects were involved in DSH after the notification of a positive HIV test result, of which 8 occurred within 6 months and 4 between 6 months and 3 years. HIV+ subjects with a past psychiatric history showed a 7.7-fold increase in the relative risk of DSH, and HIV+ subjects with a history of DSH showed a 5-fold increase in the relative risk of DSH compared with HIV+ individuals without a past psychiatric history and a history of DSH. Professionals involved in the care of HIV+ individuals need to be aware of this risk, especially in the first few months after notification of HIV status and also at later stages of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Alexithymia and obesity. Study of the impaired symbolic function by the Rorschach test.

Many authors consider alexithymia a predisposing factor to psychosomatic and somatopsychic pathologies. In this study we investigated the presence of alexithymic characteristics in a group of 106 massive obese patients who requested a surgical intervention. 6 Rorschach alexithymia variables in the protocols of patients and a non-patient reference group (n = 600) were studied. Findings supported the presence of a striking alexithymic element among severely obese patients in comparison with their lean counterparts.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Expressed emotion and schizophrenia in Italy. A study of an urban population.

Forty-two schizophrenic patients and their close relatives took part in an Italian replication study of expressed emotion (EE). The patients were selected from the psychiatric ward of a general hospital in Milan and were subsequently followed up for nine months. All patients attended a community service clinic as out-patients, and all but one were prescribed neuroleptics for the duration of the study. Relatives were assigned to the high-EE group if they scored 4 or 5 on the emotional overinvolvement (EOI) scale, or showed hostility, or made six or more critical comments. On this basis, 18 (42%) families were rated as low EE and 24 (57%) as high EE. At follow-up, the admission rate for the 9-month period was significantly higher for the high-EE group (P less than 0.05). Furthermore, significantly fewer patients were readmitted from families showing high warmth (P less than 0.05). The presence of high warmth appeared to be associated with a lower admission rate, even in high-EE families.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Emotional profiles of families with a heart-operated patient: a pilot study.

Family interaction is a basic factor in determining the quality of life of patients undergoing heart surgery. The present study investigates the emotional attitudes in the relatives of 10 heart-operated patients. The results indicate that a high amount of relatives' emotional overinvolvement and warmth tends toward a correlation with lower anxiety and depression scores, and with a better 12-month outcome of the illness.

Anxiety↗