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Biomedical subjects

G Vittadini

Publications and source records attributed to G Vittadini.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Alcoholic polyneuropathy: a clinical and epidemiological study.

In the present study, we investigated the frequency of polyneuropathy in a sample of 296 alcoholics who were admitted to the 'S. Maugeri' Medical Centre for detoxification from October 1997 to November 1999. Results revealed a high frequency of polyneuropathy in the sample under study. The disorder was often clinically asymptomatic and demonstrable only on electroneurographic investigation. Significant correlations were found between polyneuropathy, the duration of alcoholism, the type of alcoholic beverage consumed (wine) and the presence of liver disease and macrocytosis.

Adult↗

[Work and alcohol: considerations on a caseload of patients undergoing treatment].

An enquiry into alcohol dependent subjects admitted to the clinical wards of the first section of Occupational Medicine belonging to Medicina Preventiva Occupazionale e di Comunità of University of Pavia for an alcohol disaddiction treatment has been performed through a phone interview. 289 patients have been contacted and time elapsed from admission to interview was one to three years. The questions focused alcohol abstinence, occupational position before and after admission, any improvement in the work sphere (relationship with the collegues), any feeling of empowerment of the work abilities and any increase in the responsibilities load. From our results we can conclude that alcohol disaddiction carried on during admission has positively contributed to the reinstatement of alcoholics patients.

Alcoholism↗

[High resolution computerized tomography in the diagnosis of asbestosis].

The clinical observation, the work history, the analysis of pulmonary function tests and, mainly, the conventional x-ray chest radiograms have represented, til now, the diagnostic basis for pneumoconiosis (silicosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis, asbestosis). Recently, the high resolution chest tomography (HRCT) has been introduced into the diagnostic procedures: such method seems to have its main application in the assessment of incipient clinical pictures of pneumoconiosis, particularly when characterized by normal pulmonary function tests. Asbestos fibers exposed workers were submitted to both radiologic methods. The great majority of them had already been recognized to be affected by asbestosis. A considerable statistical agreement (Cohen K) was observed between radiographic and tomographic I.L.O. classes. In conclusion, high resolution chest tomography doesn't appear to be an indispensable test for the diagnosis in admitted subjects, but we underline its importance in the evaluation of pleural thickenings.

Aged↗

[High resolution computerized tomography in the diagnosis of silicosis and mixed dust pneumoconiosis].

The clinical observation, the work history, the analysis of pulmonary function tests and, mainly, the conventional x-ray chest radiograms have represented, til now, the diagnostic basis for pneumoconiosis (silicosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis, asbestosis). Recently, the high resolution chest tomography (HRCT) has been introduced into the diagnostic procedures: such method seems to have its main application in the assessment of incipient clinical pictures of pneumoconiosis, particularly when characterized by normal pulmonary function tests. 75 silica- and mixed dust exposed workers were submitted to both radiologic methods. The great majority of them had already been recognized to be affected by asbestosis. The statistical analysis (Cohen K) showed a satisfactory agreement between radiographic and tomographic I.L.O. classes. However, high resolution tomography appeared to be more accurate in the assessment of less severe clinical pictures. In conclusion, we underline the importance of high resolution chest tomography in the evaluation of individual clinical cases, particularly when forensic problems are involved.

Adult↗

[Alcoholism at the work setting].

Alcoholism is a nation-wide problem because of the variability and severity of its associated phenomena. In Western European countries, according to the WHO, the use of alcohol is the direct or indirect cause of approximately 20% of hospital admissions of male adults of working age. In Italy, the number of lost working days due to sickness is four times greater in drinkers, as is the risk of serious accidents. In addition, alcohol accounts for 5% of disability payments. In the authors' experience, alcohol abuse is a widespread problem in the work setting, however its social and medical impact is still underestimated.

Alcoholism↗

[Evaluation of several neuropsychological parameters in subjects occupationally exposed to anesthetics].

51 workers, occupationally exposed to anaesthetic gases and vapours (nitrous oxide, halothane, and isoflurane), were studied monitoring their environmental and biological exposure. Moreover, they were tested for visual reaction times and neurobehavioural batteries. There was no evidence of important neurotoxic effects nor of neurobehavioural problems with low concentrations of anaesthetics.

Adult↗

[The personal and familial alcohol habits in groups of young men at their first military draft exam].

In order to evaluate alcoholic consumption in a group of young men from an area in northern Italy, 834 subjects (18 years old) were examined at their first military check up. They compiled a questionnaire dealing with their own and their fathers' alcoholic consumption, social status, cultural habits, tobacco and drug abuse. 14.3% of the group examined were teetotalers. The alcoholic consumption of the youths was 31.44 +/- 48.8 DS alcohol g/a day versus their fathers' consumption of 44.52 +/- 42.12 DS alcohol g/a day. This difference is statistically significant (t = -8.1 p less than 0.001). No difference in alcoholic consumption was found between employed and unemployed subjects. Artisans and traders evidenced the highest levels of alcohol consumption (F = 2.58, p less than 0.009). The youths changed their alcoholic habits with respect to their own parents, preferring beer to wine consumption, although no change was observed in their approach to the alcoholic problems. The beer, like alcohol, remains a sociable and reassuring drink with positive connotations, even tough it is not considered a traditional Italian drink.

Adolescent↗

[Changes in the blood rheology and an audiometric deficit in a group of patients exposed to occupational noise pollution].

Several hemorheologic and plasma proteic features were analyzed in workers exposed to acoustic defilement. Whole-blood viscosity was significantly increased (at every shear-rate considered) in patients with severe sensorineural hearing impairment; whereas plasma, serum and relative viscosity remained unchanged. These variations were independent of erythrocyte deformability and aggregation, and of plasma fibrinogen levels, resulted indeed in the normal range. On the contrary plasma fibronectin was significantly increased in patients with sensorineural hearing impairment, suggesting a microvascular endothelial damage in these subjects. The exposition to acoustic defilement during work activity may be considered as aetiological factor for the development and progression of sensorineural hearing impairment, and more extensively for the occurrence of cardiovascular complications.

Adult↗

[Alcohol and work: comments on a clinical case load].

The relationship between alcohol and work was studied in a group of 260 voluntary patients (186 male and 74 female) admitted to the unit of Medicina del Lavoro, Pavia University for alcohol rehabilitation. The highest incidence of alcohol abuse was found in non-working subjects (pensioners, unemployed, housewives) although the start of excessive drinking takes place after beginning a working activity; a cause-effect relationship between these two factors can not be clearly determined, however. It is true that the stress provoked by this new condition (introduction to the work experience) can, in certain subjects, be a contributing factor in alcohol abuse. The increasingly lower age of initiation to alcohol reconfirms the need for prevention and instruction even at scholastic level.

Adolescent↗

[Evaluation of neuropsychological parameters in a group of metal mechanics occupationally exposed to radio frequencies].

In view of the increasing interest in electromagnetic fields, the effects on behaviour were studied in a group of foundry workers following prolonged exposure to radiofrequencies. The results of behavioural tests revealed significant differences between the exposed and control groups as regards neuropsychological performance. Anxiety and depression tests, however, indicated no pathological alterations, in contrast to previous observations. Nevertheless, the results need to be confirmed by further, more detailed studies.

Adult↗

[Alcoholism and home environment].

Alcoholism is a very important social problem in our Country. Nevertheless our knowledge about the frequency and the features of alcoholism in the household environment is poor; until recently this kind of alcoholism was considered a female problem. The authors studied two homogeneous groups of male and female alcoholics. Females have a greater tendency to drink in the household. This behaviour is due to socio-cultural condition rather than to different psychological features. The authors also reported the importance of the family in the etiology, evolution and treatment of alcoholism.

Adult↗

[Evaluation of various psychologic parameters in a group of workers occupationally exposed to radiofrequency].

In this study effects on psyche caused by a protract exposure to radiofrequency are examined. 13 women, occupationally exposed to radiofrequency, were subjected to a series of psychological tests in order to verify possible psychological troubles. Results seem to demonstrate a significant presence of troubles concerning social relations, anxiety and depression.

Adult↗

[Use of salbutamol in cough sedation in pediatrics].

Salbutamol (in syrup form) has been used as a cough sedative in a paediatric series (children from 1 1/2 months to 12 yr) of bronchial and bronchopulmonary forms of varying gravity. The hypothesis is put forward that the sedation achieved is connected to the drug's action on the spastic component.

Age Factors↗