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Biomedical subjects

G Mattioli

Publications and source records attributed to G Mattioli.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

[Possible influence of hemodynamic and neurohormonal factors on the heart's response to arterial hypertension].

Hypertrophy represents a frequent but inconstant response of the heart to hypertension and probably other nonhemodynamic factors are involved. We have performed 2D and Doppler echocardiography and assessed of neurohumoral pattern in 85 untreated patients with hypertension (diastolic blood pressure: 101 +/- 12.8 mmHg). Left ventricular hypertrophy was defined as a mass index greater than 134 g/m2 in males and 110 g/m2 in females. Doppler evaluation of left ventricular filling pattern was performed to detect the possible association of hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. In all patients the following neurohumoral substances were sampled and tested: plasmatic renin activity (PRA), aldosterone and norepinephrine. At Doppler echocardiography, 27 patients had hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, 15 only hypertrophy and 43 only diastolic dysfunction. The presence or absence of morpho-functional anomalies were independent of age, duration of hypertension and blood pressure levels. The mean value of neurohumoral substances were: norepinephrine 323.3 +/- 245 pg/ml, PRA 2.5 +/- 4 ng/ml/h, aldosterone 153.58 +/- 102 pg/ml. A significant correlation was found between PRA and blood pressure, and between aldosterone and all the Doppler-derived parameters of diastolic dysfunction. In conclusion, left ventricular hypertrophy seems to be related to alteration in ventricular geometry rather than to hemodynamic factors. Among nonhemodynamic factors, aldosterone may be the most responsible for abnormal filling, presumably through the activation of collagen matrix growth.

Adult↗

[Surgical treatment of thoracic wall malformations].

Anterior chest wall deformities in children are the expression of some congenital malformation such as Poland's syndrome and pectus excavatum. The surgical treatment of these malformations affecting children is aimed at correcting large wall defects and stabilizing the chest wall, assuring at the same time chest harmonious growth and postoperative functional assessment. We present the results of the treatment of 2 cases of Poland's syndrome, 20 cases of pectus excavatum and 2 cases of pectus carinatum, with a follow-up of 6 months--9 years.

Cartilage↗

[Necrotizing enterocolitis].

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. During the last few years, there was an increase in the incidence of this disease, associated with a better knowledge of NEC, and an increase in survival rate, associated with the development, even from a technological point of view, of neonatal intensive care units. In this study, the authors first perform the diagnostic procedures and describe the anatomical and clinical characteristics of NEC, then evaluate by standard criteria a series of patients observed during the last 5 years, revising the various surgical treatments adopted and the results obtained.

Colon↗

Defibrotide versus heparin in the prevention of coronary reocclusion after thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction.

A multicenter controlled study versus heparin was conducted to explore the activity of defibrotide, a polydesoxyribonucleotide drug, in preventing reocclusion after urokinase thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The study involved 137 consecutive patients with AMI and a time from the onset of symptoms < or = 6 hours, treated with urokinase (1,000,000 U intravenous bolus followed by 1,000,000 U slow-drip infusion over 12 hours). Immediately after thrombolysis, patients were allocated to treatment with defibrotide (group D: day 0, 3.6 g by intravenous infusion in 12 hours; days +1 to +6, 800 mg tid intravenously; days +7 to +10/+12, 400 mg tid intramuscularly), or heparin (group H: day 0, 1000 IU/hour infused over 12 hours; days +1 to +10/+12, 5000 IU tid subcutaneously). Coronary angiography was done, whenever possible, at +10/+12 days. The following parameters were assessed: (a) noninvasive estimate of myocardial reperfusion, through the analysis of CPK time-activity curves; (b) incidence of infarct-related artery (IRA) patency (TIMI scores 2-3) at coronary angiography. A total of 125 patients had a complete enzymatic curve (63 in group D and 62 in group H) and 106 had coronary angiography as well. IRA patency (the main end point) was observed in 63% of group D versus 43% of group H patients (p = 0.07). No statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of patients with indirect signs of early reperfusion (63% in group D versus 52% in group H patients).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Use of staplers in congenital lobar emphysema.

The authors report on a technique for the treatment of congenital lobar emphysema in a patient of 6.5 kg body weight. After left thoracotomy and vessel isolation, a section of the lobar bronchus and interlobar fissure was performed, because of incompleteness of 3/4 of its length. Metal clips were used with the stapler ENDO-GIA 30v Autosuture after tissue calibration. The authors underline the importance of the staplers, which have been widely used in adult surgery, because they reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and air leakage through the suture rims, especially in lung resective surgery.

Humans↗

[Treatment of diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle].

Numerous studies have already recognized the importance of diastole in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure. Non-invasive evaluations are based particularly on echo-Doppler, on radionuclide angiography and on cine-nuclear magnetic resonance: they have enabled an accurate evaluation of diastolic function and dysfunction, although invasive hemodynamic study maintains a gold standard position. All these methods of study have consented the identification of 3 basic components (anatomic and functional): active relaxation, passive elastic relaxation, atrial function. The Authors have identified the causes of diastolic failure with a particular attention to the various components of diastole. They have analyzed the implication of therapy on the basis of a clear understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the underlying cardiac disease.

Diastole↗

Effectiveness of the antihypertensive action of lisinopril on left ventricular mass and diastolic filling.

The effect of antihypertensive treatment with lisinopril (10 to 20 mg) on left ventricular mass and diastolic function was studied in 35 patients with mild to moderate hypertension. At baseline 6 and 12 months after treatment responders to lisinopril were examined by complete echo Doppler in order to measure left ventricular mass, diastolic and systolic function. Only 30 patients concluded the study follow-up. Lisinopril successfully reduced mean blood pressure (from 122 +/- 10 to 110 +/- 11 mmHg), without modification in heart rate, and left ventricular mass index (from 145 +/- 57 to 116 +/- 42 g.m-2) at month 6, with mild additional reduction at month 12. Isovolumic relaxation time was reduced but still abnormal at months 6 and 12, whereas deceleration time significantly changed only (from 230 +/- 40 to 195 +/- 35 msec) at month 12. Our results indicate that lisinopril is more successful in reducing left ventricular mass than in improving diastolic filling.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Effect of antihypertensive treatment with nitrendipine on left ventricular mass and diastolic filling in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.

Nitrendipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that may be active when administered once daily. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of antihypertensive treatment with nitrendipine (20-40 mg) on left ventricular mass and diastolic function. Forty patients with mild to moderate hypertension (diastolic pressure greater than or equal to 90 and less than or equal to 114 mm Hg) were enrolled; a complete echo Doppler examination was performed at baseline, and 8 and 12 months after treatment in order to measure left ventricular mass and diastolic and systolic function. Only 28 patients completed the study follow-up. At month 8 nitrendipine had already successfully reduced blood pressure (mean 122 +/- 9 to 92 +/- 10 mm Hg) without modifying heart rate, and left ventricular mass index (150 +/- 48 to 123 +/- 34 g/m2), with a further reduction at month 12. Isovolumic relaxation time was reduced at month 8 from 138 +/- 28 to 111 +/- 17 ms, but the diastolic pattern was completely modified only after 1 year, with a normalization of deceleration time (from 220 +/- 35 to 188 +/- 12). Systolic function did not change. Our results indicate that nitrendipine is a powerful antihypertensive agent that reduces left ventricular mass, but requires a longer period of time to improve diastolic filling pattern.

Adult↗

[Influence of the neurohumoral system on left ventricular performance in chronic congestive heart failure].

he influence of the neurohumoral system, as adrenergic system or renin-angiotensin system, on cardiac performance in heart failure is not yet know. In order to evaluate the influence of neurohumoral activation in chronic heart failure we followed 51 patients, 47 males and 4 females of mean age 58 +/- 10 years. They suffered from chronic heart failure of different origin and were classified according to NYHA classification: 42 patients were in class III and 9 were in class II. They were treated with digoxin and diuretics since long time. Ejection fraction (EF) was obtained by RVG at baseline and 8 months later. In order to test the influence of adrenergic system on EF we checked plasmatic norepinephrine levels and we divided the patients in two groups: Group A with high levels of plasmatic norepinephrine (1114 +/- 594 pg/ml) and Group B with normal level (426 +/- 139 pg/ml). Group A showed a reduction of EF (-3.73 +/- 1.27%) while, Group B showed a small increase of EF (+ 2.57 +/- 4.32%). To test the influence of renin-angiotensin system we also evaluated the patients according to the value of plasmatic renin activity: normal or high level. We did not observe a significant difference between the 2 groups. Patients with high plasmatic norepinephrine value presented a significant reduction of EF compared to those with low plasmatic norepinephrine. The adrenergic system seems to be more important than renin-angiotensin system or cardiac performance.

Aged↗

[Caloric substrates in postoperative parenteral nutrition].

The paper describes the carbohydrate, lipidic and nitrogen metabolism of the postoperative period which is subdivided into an early and a late phase. Since the metabolism of caloric substrates in the early postoperative period is a stress metabolism with glucose intolerance and wide protein catabolism, the authors emphasise that an insufficient caloric intake is worse than the fasting state and suggest that alternative caloric sources, such as branched chain amino acids, fatty acids and, even, ketonic bodies, should be used.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗

[Computerized analysis of esophageal manometry].

Computerized analysis of esophageal manometry should consider the following objectives: a) objectivation of data acquisition; b) precision in calculating the various parameters; c) speed of analysis; d) an easy-to-read and promptly understandable graphic display of the manometric data; e) computation of new parameters capable of defining normal and pathologic function. It is with these objectives in mind that we launched our research project. Five normal subjects and 10 patients, of whom 5 presented esophageal achalasia and 5 gastroesophageal reflux disease, underwent computerized esophageal manometry and were evaluated on the basis of both traditional and innovative parameters, of our own inception. Among the various indexes tested, the "Esophageal transport" parameter, calculated as the ratio of momentum (dp*dT) over speed of propagation of the esophageal contractions, gave rise to particular interest. In our opinion, this parameter can be used as an index of the dynamic function of the organ.

Adult↗

Right ventricular pacing and left ventricular filling pattern. An echo-Doppler study.

The influence of right ventricular pacing on left ventricular filling has not been completely clarified. The aim of the study was to analyze the possible alteration in and effects on left ventricular filling resulting from right ventricular pacing. The study population consisted of two groups; group A was comprised of 12 patients with a spontaneous left bundle branch block, and group B had 12 patients without left bundle branch block. All the patients underwent an interrogation of the mitral valve inflow by Doppler echocardiography, in order to measure isovolumic relaxation time, early and late peak velocity (E and A wave), E/A ratio and deceleration time. The study was performed at spontaneous rhythm and after, inhibition of the pacemaker. In group A, there were no changes in the Doppler parameters when passing from a spontaneous to an 80/min electrically induced rhythm. Analysis of group B revealed a statistically significant lengthening of IVR and Dec t with electrical stimulation. No statistically significant differences were found when we compared the Doppler parameters of the two populations at the same pacing frequency. Right ventricular pacing causes interventricular asynchrony and abnormalities in diastolic filling times, which resulted in a lengthening of either IVR and Dec t, simulating a pattern of abnormal relaxation.

Aged↗

[Tolerance of beta blockader treatment in dilated cardiomyopathy].

We studied 78 consecutive patients with dilatative cardiomyopathy who were in our hospital because of heart failure. We wanted to evaluate which parameters could be useful in identifying patients who could be treated with betablockers. All patients were hemodynamically well balanced. They were treated with effective dosage of digoxin and diuretics. We evaluated the following hemodynamic parameters: heart rate, mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), right atrial pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure, cardiac output, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, pulmonary vascular resistance, and also the neurohumoral parameters: VO2, max exercise duration, plasmatic norepinephrine levels (NE) and plasmatic renin activity (PRA). Then all patients were treated with atenolol 25 mg/die followed by 50 mg/die. In the overall population, 37 patients well tolerated the therapy with betablocker (Group A); 41 patients did not tolerate the therapy (Group B). Between the 2 groups we only found a significant difference in MPAP 31 +/- 20 vs 51 +/- 31 mmHg (p = 0.02), NE 781 +/- 467 vs 1551 +/- 1249 pg/ml (p = 0.01), PRA 1.8 +/- 2.9 vs 5.6 +/- 4.5 ng/ml/h (p = 0.02). On the basis of our results we hypothesize that patients with high neurohumoral activation do not tolerate betablocker treatment.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

[Neurohumoral changes in patients with heart failure treated chronically with beta-blockers].

Long-term beta-blocker therapy may be useful in some patients affected by chronic heart failure. In a group of 15 patients with chronic heart failure of different origin we evaluated clinical, hemodynamic and neurohormonal features after 1 year of therapy. All patients were treated with atenolol at dosage of 50 mg/die. We observed a better ejection fraction by radionuclide angiography after 1 year of treatment. There was an increase of exercise time and VO2 max evaluated by cycloergometer test. There was a decrease of mean pulmonary artery pressure, of pulmonary vascular resistance and of right atrial pressure. Plasmatic norepinephrine decreased from 1294 +/- 568 to 574 +/- 33 pg/l. Our results suggest that patients who well tolerated chronic beta-blockade show an improvement of performance parameters.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Atenolol in dilated cardiomyopathy: a clinical instrumental study.

The usefulness of beta blockers in the treatment of congestive heart failure has been questioned. We selected 11 patients, mean age 47.1 +/- 13.8, affected by dilated cardiomyopathy in NYHA class III, who had been taking digoxin and diuretics for a long time. Atenolol 50 mg was added to conventional therapy. Both before and 3 months after treatment a clinical evaluation, chest x-ray, an exercise test, and an echocardiogram were performed. We observed an improvement of NYHA class in five patients. However, the exercise test showed no improvement: 2310 +/- 1299 vs. 2902 +/- 983 total kgm (ns). The echocardiogram showed improvements of the end-systolic diameter (from 6.3 +/- 1 cm to 5.9 +/- 0.8 cm; p less than 0.02), the fractional shortening (from 13.6 +/- 6.3% to 15.2 +/- 5.6%; p less than 0.05) the radius/thickness ratio (from 4.14 +/- 0.5 to 3.5 +/- 0.5; p less than 0.05), and the wall stress (from 208.4 +/- 49 g/cm2 to 163.5 +/- 41 g/cm2; p less than 0.02). The inotropic state index did not show any changes. We conclude that in some patients with dilated cardiomyopathy beta blockers may improve the clinical status and left ventricular performance.

Atenolol↗