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Biomedical subjects

G Maggioni

Publications and source records attributed to G Maggioni.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) and back pain.

Myofascial pain syndrome is defined as subacute or chronic pain with sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms referred from active trigger points with associated painful dysfunctions. Authors present the usefulness of botulinum toxin A or B (BoNT/A or BoNT/B) injected into target muscles since the toxin is capable of controlling not only the muscular spasm but mostly the pain by alternative mechanisms of action, which are discussed. Posology of BoNT, technical aspects and results are presented. BoNT represents an interesting and useful tool for an adequate management of patients with myofascial pain.

Anti-Dyskinesia Agents↗

Treatment of phonic tics in patients with Tourette's syndrome using botulinum toxin type A.

We assessed the effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on phonic tics in patients with Tourette's syndrome. A total of 30 patients received 2.5 IU BTX-A (BOTOX; Allergan) in both vocal cords. All patients were assessed after 15 days and then 4 times over a 12-month period. At each visit the following data were collected: phenomenology of tics, global impression of changes by physician and patient, number of BTX-A injections given, interval between injections, time to response, duration of response, presence of post-injection hypophonia and side effects, presence of premonitory sensory tic component, and interference with social life and work or school activities. Vocal tics improved after treatment in 93% patients, with 50% being tic-free. Mean response time was 5.8 days, and mean duration of response was 102 days. Quality of life improved, and premonitory experiences dropped from 53% to 20%. Hypophonia was the only side effect of note (80% of patients). BTX-A is an effective and safe treatment for phonic tics associated with Tourette's syndrome.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Notes for a history of pediatrics].

The origins, major events and the Italian and foreign literature on the history of pediatrics are summarized. The origins of the word ''pediatrics'', the history of pediatric incunables and the first textbooks of pediatrics in Italian language are reviewed. Moreover, the foundation of the first pediatric hospital in Italy, the Italian history of academic schools in pediatrics, the first national congress and the formation of the national society of pediatrics are outlined. In 1998, on the occasion of the 100 years anniversary of the foundation of the national society of pediatrics, a special group on the history of pediatrics was formed. Finally, other topics for further studies are suggested.

England↗

Weaning: current status and practical recommendations.

The author reviews the current concepts on the weaning process of infant age and the breast feeding practice in the last 50 years in Italy, with particular emphasis on the reduction of its frequency and duration in time. Weaning can be summarized by three questions: why? when? how? The best moment to start weaning is based on our knowledge about the physiologic development of the digestive capacity and on the nutritional requirement for the optimal growth. There is a general agreement to start weaning after the fourth month of life and when the birth weight of the infant has doubled. Regarding the type of food with which to start, the author's preference is for a sweet kind like a mixture of cow's milk and rice starch at 5%, to be given with a small feeding spoon. The second approach can be a little soup with vegetable broth, cereals and strained fruit products. Mixed foods should be introduced separately.

Breast Feeding↗

Role of genetic variability in neonatal jaundice. A prospective study on full-term, blood group-compatible infants.

A series of genetic, developmental and environmental variables have been analyzed in a prospective sample of full-term newborn babies, compatible with their mothers in the major blood group systems, in order to attempt an evaluation of the effect of these variables on serum bilirubin level during the first few days of life. Three genetic factors (PGM1, ACP1 and ADA) and three non-genetic variables (rise of bilirubin level during the first day of life, a mother with a history of previous abortion, and use of alcoholic beverages by the mother) have a significant predictive value for the separation of newborns with clinically relevant jaundice from other infants.

Acid Phosphatase↗

A girl with G syndrome and agenesis of the corpus callosum.

We report on a female patient with G syndrome. The clinical expression is relatively severe and includes 2 manifestations not previously reported, ie, agenesis of the corpus callosum and umbilical hernia. These new findings support the notion that there is a developmental defect of the midline as the basis of the G syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Longitudinal assessment of children with congenital hypothyroidism detected by neonatal screening.

Clinical and laboratory data from 42 children (31 females and 11 males) with primary congenital hypothyroidism (CH) diagnosed by neonatal screening over a six-year period are reported. The mean age at onset of thyroid hormone therapy was 33 days. The adequacy of replacement therapy was assessed by repeated TT4, FT4, T3 and TSH serum determinations. The high serum TT4 concentrations frequently observed were not accompanied by clinical evidence of hyperthyroidism. rT3 levels determined in 28 CH children with TT4 greater than 15 micrograms/dl were clearly higher than in the controls. The mean weight, length and head circumference remained always between the 50th and 75th centile. The radiological assessment of the knee, mainly the distal femoral surface, has been considered as an important clinical value in the initial diagnosis and in the evaluation of both severity and duration of disease. The psychomotor development was assessed using Brunet-Lezine's test until age 36 months, Stanford-Binet at 4 and 5 and WISC at 6 years of age. The mean global developmental quotients (GDQ) were always between 85 and 97 at 6 to 72 months of age, only eight children were below 85. A significant correlation was found between GDQ at 6 months and the bone age. The neurological examination showed an impairment of posture, coordination and subtle deficits in motor and perceptual abilities in a small percentage of children.

Age Determination by Skeleton↗

Serum haptoglobin appearance during neonatal period is associated with acid phosphatase (ACP1) phenotype.

Erythrocyte acid phosphatase (ACP1) is a polymorphic enzyme found in many tissues and acts in vivo as a flavin-mononucleotide phosphatase. We have recently observed a relation between this enzyme and length of gestation. The present study shows that the pattern of appearance of serum haptoglobin during the neonatal period is associated with ACP1 phenotype suggesting some important function of this polymorphic enzyme in human development.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Sex ratio in man: an analysis of the relationship with ABO blood groups and placental alkaline phosphatase phenotype.

Secondary sex ratio (SR) in man is influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. It has been observed that SR in subjects of blood group B compatible with their mothers is higher than in other subjects. The analysis of 676 newborns of the Rome population and 1,684 newborns of the New Haven (Connecticut) population have confirmed a higher SR in B group subjects compatible with their mothers. The data also indicate that placental alkaline phosphatase is another genetic factor influencing SR in man and that there is a strong interaction among ABO phenotype, fetomaternal ABO compatible status and PAP phenotype concerning their effects on SR.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Serum lipid pattern in beta-thalassaemia.

Serum lipids, phospholipid fractions and the composition of serum lipid fatty acids were studied in 20 children presenting beta-thalassaemia major, 20 heterozygous children and 20 normal controls. Total serum phospholipids, their fractions and cholesterol were significantly lower in patients with thalassaemia major. These changes were referred to hepatic damage and to severe anaemia, respectively. Some serum lipid polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly decreased in patients with thalassaemia major as compared to heterozygotes and normal controls. Since these alterations are a sign of lipid oxidation, the causes of this phenomenon are discussed.

Child↗