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G Licata

Publications and source records attributed to G Licata.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Effects of high-dose furosemide and small-volume hypertonic saline solution infusion in comparison with a high dose of furosemide as a bolus, in refractory congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Diuretics, have been accepted as first-line treatment in refractory heart failure, but a lack of response is a frequent event. A randomised single blind study was performed to evaluate the effects of the combination of high-dose furosemide and small-volume hypertonic saline solution (HSS) infusion in the treatment of refractory NYHA class IV congestive heart failure (CHF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients (21 F/39 M) with refractory CHF (NYHA class IV) of different etiologies, unresponsive to high oral doses of furosemide, ACE-inhibitors, digitalis, and nitrates, aged 65-90 years, were enrolled. They had to have an ejection fraction (EF) <35%, serum creatinine <2 mg/dl, BUN </=60 mg/dl, a reduced urinary volume and a low natriuresis. The patients were randomised in two groups (single blind): group 1 (11 F/19 M) received an i.v. infusion of furosemide (500-1000 mg) plus HSS (150 ml of 1.4-4.6% NaCl) b.i.d. in 30 min. Group 2 (10 F/20 M) received an i.v. bolus of furosemide (500-1000 mg) b.i.d., without HSS, during a period lasting 6-12 days. Both groups received KCl (20-40 mEq.) i.v. to prevent hypokalemia. All patients underwent at entry a physical examination, measurement of body weight (BW), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), evaluation of signs of CHF, and controls of serum Na, K, Cl, bicarbonate, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, urea and glycemia and daily during hospitalization, as well as the daily output of urine for, Na, K and Cl measurements. Chest X-ray, ECG and echocardiogram were obtained at entry during and at the discharge. During the treatment and after discharge the daily dietary Na intake was 120 mmol with a drink fluid intake of 1000 ml daily. An assessment of BW and 24-h urinary volume, serum and urinary laboratory parameters, until reaching a compensated state, were performed daily, when i.v. furosemide was replaced with oral administration (250-500 mg/day). After discharge, patients were followed as outpatients weekly for the first 3 months and subsequently once per month. RESULTS: The groups were similar for age, sex, EF, risk factors, treatment and etiology of CHF. All patients showed a clinical improvement. Six patients in both groups had hyponatremia (from 120 to 128 mEq./l) at entry. A significant increase in daily diuresis in both groups was observed (from 390+/-155 to 2100+/-626, and from 433+/-141 to 1650+/-537 ml/24 h, P<0.05). Natriuresis (from 49+/-15 to 198+/-28 mEq./24 h) was higher in group 1 vs. group 2 (from 53.83+/-12 to 129+/-39 mEq./24 h, P<0.05). Serum Na (from 135.9+/-6.8 to 142.2+/-3. 8 mEq./l, P<0.05) increased in the group 1 and decreased in the group 2 (from 134.7+/-7.9 to 130.1+/-4.3 mEq./l). Serum K was decreased (from 4.4+/-0.6 to 3.9+/-0.6, and 4.6+/-9 to 3.6+/-0.5 mEq. /l, P<0. 05) in both groups. BW was reduced (from 73.8+/-9.1 to 63. 8+/-8.8, and from 72.9+/-10.2 to 64.5+/-7.5 kg, P<0. 05) in both groups. Group 2 showed more patients in NYHA class III than group 1 (18 vs. 2 patients, P<0.05). Group 2 showed an increase of serum creatinine. Serum uric acid increased in both groups. BP values decreased, and HR was corrected to normal values in both groups. Group 2 showed a longer hospitalization time than group receiving HHS infusion (11.67+/-1.8 vs. 8.57+/-2.3 days, P<0.001). In the follow-up (6-12 months), none of the patients from group 1 were readmitted to the hospital and they maintained the NYHA class achieved at the discharge. Group 2 showed 12 patients readmitted to hospital and a higher class than at discharge. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the combination of furosemide with HSS is feasible and it appears that this combination produces an improvement of hemodynamic and clinical parameters, reduces the hospitalization time and maintains the obtained results over time in comparison with those receiving high-dose furosemide as bolus.

Aged↗

Effect of long-term losartan administration on renal haemodynamics and function in hypertensive patients.

In this study the efficacy and safety of long-term losartan administration on renal haemodynamics were evaluated in mild to moderate hypertension. After a run-in period with placebo, 18 hypertensives without renal or cardiovascular disease were allocated to losartan (50 mg/die for one year) treatment. Renal haemodynamic measurements included renal plasma flow (ERPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by standardized radioisotope study. Effective renal blood flow (ERBF), filtration fraction (FF), and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were also calculated. Blood pressure was evaluated monthly, whereas renal haemodynamics and function were detected at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of losartan administration. Losartan induced a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in SBP, DBP, and MBP versus baseline values both at 6 months and at 12 months. In addition a significant decrease in RVR (p < 0.001) and in FF (p < 0.05) was also seen. In addition RVR values at 1 year of treatment were higher than their values at 6 months, but this difference was not significant. Our data indicated that long-term control in blood pressure induced by losartan administration was associated with a maintained renal function after 6 months of treatment, but these favourable effects were attenuated after 1 year of treatment.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene deletion polymorphism determines an increase in frequency of migraine attacks in patients suffering from migraine without aura.

Many authors have reported an association between the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-D allele and coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. The mechanism underlying the positive associations between the ACE-D alleles and diseases are not yet clear. Previous reports showed an association between migraine without aura and ACE-D allele polymorphism. The study is aimed to evaluate if the DD genotype could also be associated with the frequency and duration of migraine without aura. In 302 patients suffering from migraine without aura (at least for 1 year), with no history of cardiovascular diseases and major risk factors for ischemic events, the genotypes of the ACE gene, plasma ACE activity, and the frequency (weekly) and duration of migraine attacks were evaluated. No drugs were given before (4 weeks) and during the study. The same evaluations were performed in 201 subjects without migraine. The molecular biologist and the physician evaluating the patient data were blinded to the clinical history and ACE-DD gene determination. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification. Plasma ACE activity was performed by the HPLC method. The groups were similar for sex, age and smoking habit (migraines: 302 patients (200 F/102 M), mean age 37.8 +/- 8.2 years; control: 201 subjects (127 F/74 M), mean age 37.5 +/- 9.3 years). Patients with migraine without aura showed higher incidence of the ACE-DD gene (48.34%) than control subjects (37.32%), p < 0.05. The frequency of migraine (average attacks per week) was higher in patients with DD (2.11 +/- 1.9) than in patients with ID (1.54 +/- 1. 44), p < 0.05. No difference in duration of migraine attacks (hours per week) was observed. Plasma ACE activity was increased in patients with the ACE-DD gene. Our data suggest that ACE-DD gene polymorphism could have an important role in determining migraine attacks and the frequency of these attacks. Further data are needed through further studies, especially on the biomolecular level.

Adult↗

Effects of a short-term hypoenergetic diet on morphofunctional left ventricular parameters in centrally obese subjects. An echocardiographic study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to study centrally obese subjects without other diseases, to establish whether a short-term hypoenergetic balanced regimen is able to positively modify left ventricular (LV) patterns. METHODS: We studied 32 obese subjects (out of 52 recruited for this study) with central fat distribution and without associated diseases. Each subject had undergone a moderately hypoenergetic diet for a four-month follow-up period and had a regular loss in weight. Some relevant clinical and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated. Baseline data and those evaluated at the end of the follow-up period were used for outcome analysis. RESULTS: We found a considerable reduction in LV mass and other LV structural parameters including relative wall thickness (RWT). Moreover, we found an improvement of both LV ejection fraction and filling parameters. As regards the relation ship between parameter changes, LV mass was correlated to LV internal diameter and mainly to LV wall thickness. LV mass change was also correlated to a reduction of diastolic BP and RWT. Only improvements in LV filling were correlated to WHR reduction. None of the changes in cardiac variables resulted significantly correlated to BMI change. Other interesting correlations are reported in the text. CONCLUSIONS: Our study points out that improvements in LV structure and function are rapidly possible with a moderately hypoenergetic regimen in obese otherwise healthy subjects. The main changes were those in LV wall thickness even if a more complex cardiovascular adjustment was recognised. All this could be very important to possibly prevent future cardiovascular events (including heart failure), so largely linked to obesity of central type.

Adult↗

Comparison of the effects of felodipine and cilazapril on exercise performance in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. A crossover study.

This double-blind crossover study was designed to compare the effects of felodipine and cilazapril on exercise performance in hypertensive patients. After a 2-week placebo run-in period, 40 patients with mild to moderate hypertension were randomized into two parallel groups to receive either felodipine (10 mg) or cilazapril (5 mg) for 4 weeks. After another 2-week washout period, treatments were then crossed over for a further 4-week study period. All patients were given an extensive rest and exercise evaluation at the end of the placebo period. Extensive rest and exercise evaluations were repeated after a 4-week treatment period and again after the second washout period and after the second 4-week treatment period. Before each exercise test, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine plasma levels and plasma renin activity were measured. Two groups were similar at baseline for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate as well as for laboratory and hormonal variables and duration of exercise test. At the end of treatment diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in the felodipine group (p = 0.019). Duration of exercise test was longer than at baseline (p = 0.031) in the felodipine group. Plasma dopamine levels were significantly increased in the cilazapril group. Plasma renin activity significantly increased in the felodipine group. In conclusion, our data show that the two drugs have the same effectiveness in resting conditions but that felodipine is more effective in lowering maximum exercise diastolic blood pressure and in improving exercise time with an double product increase (not significant); it has no statistically significant effect on maximal exercise systolic blood pressure.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

[Deciding in conditions of uncertainty: the Delphi method and its use in the formulation of guidelines].

The purpose of this paper is to analyze one of the most powerful tools in the decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, the Delphi method, and to verify the related interest of scientific world, particularly, for formulation of guidelines. The method combines the expert opinion preventing biases due to institutional role, status or dominant personality. In the text we explain the methodology and the steps through which it is possible to realize the consensus; we schematized in a didactic manner all the phases for an operational approach of the reader. The search by the most diffused biomedical database (Medline) individualized 623 citations, 7 of which are guidelines (3 of remarkable importance). In conclusion, the Delphi method may be considered particularly interesting for its theoretical assumptions and it can be used as reference tool for assuming decisions in the formulation of clinical practice guidelines as objectively as possible.

Decision Trees↗

Carotid atherosclerosis in renal transplant recipients: relationships with cardiovascular risk factors and plasma lipoproteins.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplant recipients have an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, but less data exist about cerebrovascular atherosclerosis. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of carotid lesions as evaluated by B-mode ultrasonography in a group of renal transplant recipients, and we evaluated univariate and multivariate relationships between common risk factors and plasma lipoproteins and carotid lesions. METHODS: Fifty-seven renal transplant recipients and 113 age- and gender-matched controls underwent a complete clinical visit for the evaluation of risk factors present. In all subjects, a blood sample was collected for lipoprotein determination, and an ultrasound high-resolution B-mode imaging examination of the common carotid arteries was performed. RESULTS: We found that among renal transplant recipients, there was a significantly increased prevalence of subjects with plaque in comparison with controls (24.6% vs. 6.2%, P<0.001). At multiple analysis, carotid lesions were independently associated with age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking habit, and the presence of cardiovascular disease in controls and with age and hypertension in renal transplant recipients. Neither the lipid profile nor the presence of dyslipidemias was related to carotid score in renal transplant recipients, whereas a nonsignificant trend was observed in controls. Finally, in transplant patients, we did not find any association between carotid lesions and high-density lipoprotein subfractions. CONCLUSIONS: Age and hypertension are the main predictors of extracranial cerebrovascular atherosclerosis after renal transplantation. Because carotid lesions may represent a useful predictive marker of clinical events in nontransplant subjects, carotid artery evaluation by B-mode ultrasound might be routinely included in the management of renal transplant patients.

Adult↗

Effects of aging on serum ionized and cytosolic free calcium: relation to hypertension and diabetes.

Elevated cytosolic free calcium (Ca(i)) and reciprocally reduced, extracellular ionized calcium (Ca-ion) levels are observed in both hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Because the changes of vascular function and insulin sensitivity in these conditions resemble the changes associated with "normal" aging, we wondered to what extent similar alterations in calcium metabolism occur with aging per se in the absence of overt hypertension or diabetes. We therefore measured platelet Ca(i) levels by spectrofluorometry and serum Ca-ion levels in normotensive, nondiabetic, healthy, normal, elderly (>65 years old) subjects, mean age +/-SEM, 72.2+/-1.5 years old (n=11); in healthy, normal, young (<65 years old) adults, 46.1+/-2.3 years old (n=12); in 10 young adult hypertensives, 48.6+/-1.9 years old; and in 10 normotensive NIDDM subjects, 49.2+/-1.6 years old. Platelet Ca(i) levels were higher (104.5+/-4.9 versus 80.2+/-1.8 nmol/L, P<0.01) and Ca-ion levels lower (1.212+/-0.010 versus 1.236+/-0.011 mmol/L, P<0.05) in normal elderly compared with young control subjects, but normal elderly Ca(i) and Ca-ion levels were indistinguishable from those in hypertensive (Ca(i) 107.5+/-3.6 nmol/L, Ca-ion 1.210+/-0.009 mmol/L) and NIDDM (Ca(i) 110.7+/-4.7 nmol/L, Ca-ion 1.204+/-0.014 mmol/L) subjects. In normal subjects, significant correlations were found between platelet Ca(i) levels and age (r=0.655, P<0.01) and between Ca(i) levels and systolic blood pressure (r=0.733, P<0.001). We conclude that aging is associated with alterations of Ca(i) and Ca-ion levels resembling those changes present at any age in hypertension and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesize that these alterations of calcium metabolism underlie the predisposition to the alterations of blood pressure and insulin sensitivity characteristic of "normal" aging. The data also suggest that studies of the aging process should be limited to subjects with normal blood pressure and glucose tolerance.

Adolescent↗

Constitutional osteochondrodysplasias identifiable at birth. A short review on the state of the art in radiodiagnosis in the late 20th century.

INTRODUCTION: The value of a systematic radiologic analysis in constitutional osteochondrodysplasias remains underestimated by both neonatologists and radiologists. We report the clinical experience of the Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of St. John Hospital in Rome with constitutional osteochondrodysplasias identifiable at birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 2120 cases of newborns hospitalized in our unit from January 1996 to August 1998 and here submitted to at least one direct radiograph of chest and abdomen (the so-called "babygram"). All the newborns were clinically assisted by the same three neonatologists and radiologically followed by the only pediatric radiologist, the external consultant for diagnostic imaging of the Intensive Care Unit of the Neonatology Department. RESULTS, DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: We diagnosed 14 cases of constitutional osteochondrodysplasias (.66%): 4 of them (28.27%) belong to the group considered by the European Society of Pediatric Radiology (ESPR) as lethal before or immediately after birth, while the other 10 (71.43%) belong to different groups of the ESPR classification. Thus, we arbitrarily grouped them into a single pathologic condition, based on their two main features: being generally not lethal and always or very often identifiable at birth. These 10 cases were: 1 campomelic dysplasia, 3 achondroplasias, 2 asphyxiant thoracic dysplasias type Jeune, 1 cherubinic dysplasia, 2 osteogenesis imperfectae, 1 osteopetrosis. We justify the relatively high incidence of constitutional osteochondrodysplasias in our study (.66% versus an average incidence of .076% reported in the world population) on the basis of: a) an increasing number of high-risk newborns in our intensive care unit; b) an improvement in our clinical and radiologic diagnostic skills. We conclude that the state of the art of the diagnosis of constitutional osteochondrodysplasias is still based on the first plain X-ray examination performed at birth because of cardiorespiratory and/or abdominal diseases in the newborn.

Humans↗

Trends of congestive heart failure epidemiology: contrast with clinical trial results.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an important and growing public health problem and the cause of substantial morbidity and mortality. Its increasing incidence and prevalence may be in part explained by the progressive aging of the world population. The improvement in coronary artery disease and hypertension treatment allows the individuals to lie longer and develop CHF. Indeed, the most common etiology of CHF is coronary artery disease, the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the second cause of CHF is hypertension which is still markedly increasing in developing countries. Estimates of prevalence of CHF are 0.4 to 2% of the general population. The number of hospital admissions for CHF has also been steadily increasing. Half of the patients carrying a diagnosis of CHF will die within 4 years and patients with severe CHF will die within 1 year. At present, there is no evidence that the prognosis of heart failure in the community has changed despite the advances in therapy over the past decades, such as the demonstration that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and other vasodilators improve the clinical signs and symptoms of patients with CHF, reduce mortality and slow the progression of myocardial dysfunction. Nevertheless, the overall mortality from this condition remains very high. It is possible that the results of the trials have not yet been evidenced in the majority of patients with CHF because the ideal conditions, treatment and follow-up in the trials are not yet widely achieved in the population.

Adult↗

Early markers of cardiovascular damage in obese subjects.

Cardiovascular disease remains a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries, particularly in subjects with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, conditions frequently associated with central obesity. Identification of early morphological and/or functional alterations of the cardiovascular system may help target individuals most likely to benefit from preventive measures. The literature data and our own experience suggest that parameters that are direct expressions of cardiovascular damage, can be identified at an early stage. For example, diastolic dysfunction may precede the clinical expression of several cardiac diseases, left ventricular hypertrophy is one of the first manifestations of cardiac involvement in hypertension, central obesity and diabetes mellitus, and a carotid plaque may point to concomitant coronary artery disease. Other early manifestations of cardiovascular involvement are microalbuminuria and endothelial dysfunction. Insulin resistance and alterations of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system play an important physiopathogenic role in the development of cardiovascular damage in obese subjects, and their association with risk and cardiovascular disease has been confirmed in numerous studies. Since all these changes generally precede overt clinical manifestations and are closely related to cardiovascular morbidity, they may help identify individuals at the highest risk of cardiovascular events.

Biomarkers↗

Effect of subcutaneous sumatriptan on head temperature in migraines.

Sumatriptan, a selective 5-hydroxy-triptamine (5-HT1) receptor agonist, has been used recently in the treatment of acute migraine. Some in vitro experiments suggested that sumatriptan has vasoactive properties in vascular beds distinct from cerebral circulation. In view of this we investigated the vascular effects of the standard 6 mg subcutaneous (s.c.) dose of sumatriptan, on the surface areas of the head using thermography, a simple and reliable method for detecting temperature changes. The head temperature of 127 patients (double-blind), 102 migraines (52 during headache attack and 50 headache-free) and 25 healthy control subjects were evaluated using thermography in basal condition and 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after s.c. sumatriptan injection of placebo. During the entire observation period systemic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR) and continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) were detected automatically. A significant head temperature decrease was observed after s.c. sumatriptan administration, in both healthy controls and migraine subjects; placebo administration did not show any change of temperature. In migraine patients during headache attack, head temperature reduction corresponded to the relief of headache symptoms. This vasoconstrictor effect detected with thermography is not isolated to cranial circulation but it is also systemic. In fact, we observed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in both systolic and diastolic systemic blood pressure. No significant changes in heart rate and ECG abnormalities were otherwise detected. These findings suggest that sumatriptan is effective in the treatment of migraine attack, but it must be used with caution in migraines with concomitant hypertension.

Adult↗

Micro-albuminuria in obese subjects: relationship among body fat distribution, blood pressure and left ventricular structure and function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationships among micro-albuminuria, blood pressure and measurements of left ventricular structure and function in centrally and peripherally obese subjects compared with members of a lean control group. METHODS: Centrally obese subjects were subdivided according to whether they had levels of micro-albuminuria higher than 30 mg/24 h (micro-albuminuric group) or lower than or equal to 30 mg/24 h (normo-albuminuric group). For all the subjects we measured heart rate, casual mean blood pressure (MBP), 24 h MBP, total cholesterol level, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein (a) level, fasting immunoreactive insulin level, plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone level and micro-albminuria (UAE) by current methods. Left ventricular mass indexed for body height, left ventricular diastolic and systolic diameters, interventricular septal thickness and left ventricular ejection fraction were measured by echocardiography. Peak filling rate was also calculated by radionuclide study. Family history of cardiovascular disease was evaluated for all the obese subjects.RESULTS: Lipoprotein (a) level, total cholesterol level, 24 h MBP and interventricular septal thickness were significantly (P < 0.05) greater for micro-albuminuric than they were for normo-albuminuric centrally obese subjects, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly (P < 0.05 lower. In addition, UAE levels of centrally obese subjects were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of peripherally obese subjects. UAE of all the centrally obese subjects was correlated directly to lipoprotein (a) level (r = 0.33, P < 0.009), 24 h MBP (r = 0.41, P < 0.002), interventricular septal thickness (= 0.36, P < 0.005) and family history of cardiovascular disease (r = 0.33, P < 0.007). Multiple regression analysis indicated that UAE was independently related to 24 h MBP and family history of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that measurement of micro-albuminuria is useful for evaluating cardiovascular risk profiles of obese subjects with a central fat distribution.

Journal Article↗

Succinate sumatriptan evaluation by Doppler echocardiography in patients with migraine.

Recent reports show that sumatriptan administration increases blood pressure and vascular resistance both in systemic and pulmonary circulation. This study was performed to evaluate by echo-Doppler technique the hemodynamic effects of subcutaneous sumatriptan administration. Forty-one migraine subjects (26 males, 15 females), mean age 36 +/- 2 years (range 36-39 years), and 20 healthy control subjects (14 males, six females), mean age 36 +/- 2 years (range 36-39 years) were randomized (double-blind) to receiving sumatriptan (group A) or placebo (group B). After a 2-week complete pharmacological washout, clinical examination, electrocardiogram, and Doppler echocardiography were performed at baseline, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after sumatriptan or placebo administration. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding Doppler echocardiographic parameters (aortic integral, pulmonary integral, end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters) and heart rate; only a slight but not significant increase in arterial blood pressure was observed in group A. Our data show that succinate sumatriptan can be used with safety in patients without hypertension and other cardiovascular disease.

Adult↗

Usefulness of echocardiography in the assessment of internal medicine inpatients. An analysis according to ACC/AHA guidelines.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to analyze the importance of echocardiography in our Internal Medicine Institute. We think that this technique could have a large impact in the evaluation of the internistic inpatient who is usually affected by multiple pathological problems. METHODS: Analysis was performed according to the ACC/AHA guidelines for the application of echocardiography. The data of 1211 consecutive inpatients were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-three per cent of all the patients had two or more associated diseases. Moreover, patients in whom echocardiography could be considered appropriate or useful were 67%. Our results point out that echocardiographic examination is generally a technique of great importance for the evaluation of internistic inpatients. CONCLUSIONS: This study could represent a useful background for a cost/benefit analysis that should evaluate the utility of a specifically-dedicated echocardiographic laboratory for optimal, autonomous management of internal medicine inpatients.

Adult↗