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Biomedical subjects

G Maira

Publications and source records attributed to G Maira.

102 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Cushing's syndrome: new variants and association with empty sella syndrome.

In this article we propose a review of the literature on clinical variants of Cushing's syndrome (CS) and personal observations on one of these variants. Clinical variants of CS are: (1) tumors of the intermediate pituitary lobe; (2) hypothalamic Cushing's with pituitary hyperplasia; (3) cyclic CS; (4) primitive nodular adrenal dysplasia; (5) pre-Cushing's syndrome; (6) association of CS and empty sella. The personal observations relate to the association of CS and empty sella. This syndrome consists of: (a) inappropriate cortisol secretion of pituitary origin; this alteration is less pronounced in comparison with other patients affected by Cushing's disease; (b) marked hirsutism; (c) slight hyperprolactinemia or augmented PRL response after metoclopramide; (d) elevated DHEAS levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

L-DOPA treatment of comatose states due to cerebral lesions. Preliminary findings.

The results of a study on the effects of L-Dopa in brain-injured patients showing impairment of consciousness are reported. Fifteen patients were selected for this study. The degree of consciousness impairment, or level of coma, varied in the different patients. In all of them, however, the comatose state persisted unchanged for at least 6 days before the beginning of L-Dopa treatment. A gradual and progressive improvement of the level of consciousness, as well as of the EEG patterns, followed the administration of L-Dopa in patients whose treatment commenced while they were in comas III, II and I (classification of Fishgold and Mathis, 1959, and Rossi, 1962). On the other hand, the results of the treatment were questionable in the sequelae of coma (apallic syndrome, coma vigil, akinetic mutism). A direct relation between L-Dopa and consciousness improvement appears to be supported by: 1) the fact that the level of coma was stabilized for several days prior to L-Dopa treatment (see above); 2) the fact that consciousness improvement occurred abreast of L-Dopa dosage; 3) the observation in some patients that worsening followed the temporary withdrawal of L-Dopa treatment and, vice-versa, improvement followed its resumption. The hypothesis of neurochemical components in the processes responsible for the decrease of vigilance following cerebral injury would appear supported by the findings reported.

Brain Injuries↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Possible etiologic role of occupational exposure to arsenic anhydride in a case of bladder carcinoma].

It has long been known that occupational or environmental exposure to arsenic (As) may cause skin and lung cancer. Moreover, several epidemiological studies on populations exposed to inorganic As by ingestion indicate an increased risk for cancer at other sites and, particularly, for bladder cancer. We describe the case of a petrol chemical worker, who died of metastasized bladder cancer at the age of 52, after being employed for over 30 years in a hydrogen production unit. Analysis of the technological cycle and biological monitoring data revealed an excessive, prolonged exposure to arsenic trioxide (As2O3) vapours and fumes; a solution of this compound was utilized to absorb the CO2 produced by oxidation of the synthesis gas. Careful anamnesis indicated a prolonged contact between the carcinogen and the bladder mucosa, due to the presence of severe urethral stenosis with chronic urinary obstruction. It also appears likely that synergism between As exposure and smoking (5-10 cigarettes per day until 46 years) occurred. This case suggests the opportunity to extend to the occupational setting future epidemiological research on the relationship between inorganic As exposure and bladder cancer.

Arsenic Trioxide↗